Rossall Sport - National Centre of Excellence

NATIONAL CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE STARS OF TOMORROW

The extraordinary success that Rossall has achieved in terms of sporting greatness has attracted attention both nationally and internationally. Our success is attributable to an ambitious vision that balances elite performance with a spectacularly diverse and wonderfully inclusive offering.

If sport is your passion and you wish to benefit from outstanding coaching, well-structured training programmes and top class facilities, then Rossall is the obvious destination of choice for your future.

In a short space of time, Rossall has assumed its place at the very pinnacle of school sports within the UK. Currently, number one for golf and number one for girls’ football, Rossall makes significant waves on the national stage. Aspects of the School’s sports programme have been profiled in the national press and this is due to a winning formula that nurtures the skills, characteristics and attributes necessary for success. Every step of our strategy is carefully planned so as to ensure the development of sustainable programmes that support the very highest level of performance.

We are on an exciting journey and September 2023 sees the launch of our Centre of Sporting Excellence. This constitutes a logical and natural expansion of our programme and responds to the high level of interest that Rossall Sport now inspires.

SEPTEMBER 2023….

Replicating the success of our football and golf programmes, Rossall School is now directing significant resources towards realising its ambition of regional and national dominance in five sports.

Of course, the School’s focus upon these five sports is not exclusive and our continuing commitment to our ‘subsidiary’ sports, such as basketball, swimming and tennis, will form a vital cornerstone of our overall programme.

Sport provides a fantastic context within which to develop the core values that we instil as a School community. The development of resilience, responsibility, courage, compassion, integrity, teamwork and self-discipline are essential dimensions of our sports programme. Indeed, this focus upon character development is a common thread that runs through each of our programmes. We are concerned with much more than the development of elite performance. It is our mission to encourage young people to fulfil their potential in every regard and inspire them to make a positive contribution to the world they will inherit.

We believe that children’s physical and emotional wellbeing is invariably well supported by playing sports. Achieving ‘flow’ or ‘living in the moment’ supports our mental health and, at its heart, this is what sport offers to players and fans alike. It provides a paradigm that sits apart from the complex, challenging, and sometimes worrying, world within which we live. Sport provides a creative space full of possibility and a context within which lifelong friendships are formed. We believe that sport has the capacity to teach us as much about the human condition as the greatest works of philosophy. Indeed, Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato recognised the centrality of sports. Plato suggested that there should be a balance between athletics and academia. For him, the ideal citizen was the scholar athlete; the person of thought and the person of action.

Rossall is a School that encourages students to live fulfilling and busy lives. We do not believe that children should be encouraged to make a choice between academic excellence and sporting success for, more often than not, the two go hand-in-hand. Application in the classroom and application on the sports field are reflective of a dedicated and disciplined approach to life.

Rossall is the obvious choice of school if your love of sport is balanced by a desire to thrive in all areas of your education. Every summer, our Sport Scholars progress to top universities within the UK and a number win 100% scholarships to universities in the US. Whether your ultimate dream is to secure a professional contract at a football club or join one of the leading golf programmes in the States, Rossall provides the platform necessary for you to develop a competitive edge.

Sporting excellence is hard-wired into the DNA of our School community. Many of our alumni were sporting pioneers and their past achievements inspire our quest for future success. We are very proud of the fact that Walter Clopton Wingfield, the inventor of lawn tennis, was one of the very first pupils to attend Rossall back in the 1840s.

The unique beach game of RossHockey was introduced to the School in 1857, with the official rules being drawn up in the 1870s. Still played to this day, the game is a derivation of Rossall Football which was, in itself, an adaption of the Eton field game. Throughout much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Rossall was a school that achieved incredible success across a number of sports. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to learn that a good few giants of the modern era spent their formative years here at Rossall, or have strong links with our sports programme.

JACK CROPPER ASSISTANT HEAD (SPORT)

Sport is one of the most effective contexts within which we develop character and live the ethos and values of our School community. Participation in sports allows us to grow in confidence and enjoy the social interaction that comes with being part of a team. Most importantly, regular exercise promotes a healthy approach to life.

Our team shares my belief in the importance of adopting an inclusive approach. All pupils participate in the major sports during their early years with us. This level of participation, which is complemented with an outstanding level of coaching, enables pupils to progress at different speeds as they progress up through the School.

We are blessed with brilliant facilities, but it is the quality of coaching which serves to set Rossall apart. Our children benefit from being coached by staff who have a proven track record of supporting elite performance. Collectively, we are able to draw upon a huge body of experience. Our current success is attributable to their dedication and hard work.

We are unashamedly ambitious and we are immensely proud of our record of success.

JACOB

DRAPER

HOCKEY, WALES & GREAT BRITAIN

“Rossall School was single handedly the best decision I ever made. It became instrumental in my hockey development and I’m incredibly proud to say I now represent Team GB internationally. Something that, without Rossall, definitely wouldn’t be possible. It also became the best environment to not only pursue my sporting aspirations but also my academics. I discovered my love for Economics at Rossall, the subject I later read at Swansea University and was awarded a 1st Class degree.”

OLLIE

STARS OF THE FUTURE LEGGETT

FOOTBALL, SIGNED WITH FLEETWOOD TOWN F.C.

“I have been very fortunate to have been given opportunities to excel. Rossall School, especially the sports staff, have supported me throughout my journey. They worked alongside my club to guarantee my academic and sports career worked alongside each other to ensure a positive outcome. Rossall School helped me by putting together a timetable in which I could spend the time I needed on the football pitch but also made sure I had the time in the classroom.”

STRUTTON BETH

FOOTBALL, MANCHESTER CITY F.C. U17 ENGLAND LIONESSES

“Rossall School has helped me with my football in many ways. When going away to England camps the teachers always ensure I have work to do, meaning I never feel like I’m falling behind. They understand the demands of football and offer me support both academically and on the football side of things.”

LOBODA

“Rossall provided a perfect environment in which to develop both as a person and as an athlete. Not only was I encouraged to develop within my own sport, rugby, but in a variety of sports. This allowed me to develop a comprehensive athletic skill set, which I believe aided my progression into international

Support is key when trying to progress to the next level. Whether it was additional morning gym sessions before school or giving up Saturdays to represent Rossall at sport, the staff were always there. The potential for excellence at Rossall is immense. I really would recommend any student athlete to choose Rossall as, for me, it truly made the difference.”

CRICKET

Cricket is played throughout the duration of the Summer Term here at Rossall. There are regular competitive fixtures for all age ranges. The School’s First XI hosts teams from the MCC, HM forces and the Forty Club - the largest wandering cricket club in the world.

Throughout the Summer Term, our First XI competes against schools with strong sporting reputations - both regionally and nationally and each summer the season culminates with a tour.

The Physical Education & Games programme also provides extended opportunities for our young cricketers to develop and refine their cricketing skills throughout the year.

CRICKET FACILITIES

Beautifully maintained wickets, all of which are overlooked by the School’s iconic chapel and impressive cricket pavilion which dates from the late Victorian era

A four lane, indoor cricket facility equipped with all the latest technology (bowling machines, etc)

A state-of-the-art strength and conditioning gym with an indoor running track

Access to first class cricket club facilities in the local area including both Fleetwood Cricket Club and Blackpool Cricket Club.

CRICKET COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES

Led by Head of Cricket, Joshua Boyne (ECB Advanced Coach, Cumberland CCC & Lancashire U19)

Our Cricket Performance Programme challenges players across every facet of their game, whilst endeavouring to produce physically robust athletes

Bespoke strength and conditioning programme designed to support tactical and practical development.

CRICKET SUCCESSES AND HONOURS

Current students are involved in minor county, county and academy squads across a number of different teams

Representation at Lancashire Second XI level

Pupils have progressed to contracts with professional county teams including Hampshire & Lancashire

Strong links with Lancashire County Cricket Club

Regional success in competitions

Rossall alumni include the Lancashire player Toby Lester.

Rossall hockey is of an excellent standard and we have enjoyed many successes over the last few years.Top class coaching enhances the development of technique and supports the development of decision making skills so necessary at high level performance. Rossall teams face some of the strongest opposition across the North of England and beyond. We compete on a national stage and enter England Hockey competitions every year.

HOCKEY FACILITIES

• Floodlit astroturf

• Indoor court (one of the most impressive indoor hockey facilities in the North-West).

HOCKEY COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Professional hockey coach who has the Advanced Coaches Programme (ACP) accreditation and works with current high performance athletes throughout the England Hockey system

• Director of Sport also holds the ACP accreditation and both played and coached within the national league

• Several members of the PE & Games staff specialise in hockey and have represented their country internationally

• Through links with local clubs, pupils have regular opportunities to play in the national league for prestigious clubs such as Preston HC and Fylde HC.

HOCKEY SUCCESSES AND HONOURS

• The School’s hockey teams reach the latter stages of national competitions on a regular basis in both indoor and outdoor hockey formats

• The School has had one international hockey player leave the school every year for the last ten years, representing the home nations but also as far afield as Germany

• Jacob Draper (2017) featured in the Team GB Hockey team at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

FOOTBALL

Over recent years, football at Rossall has developed rapidly and both our girls and boys have enjoyed success on the national stage. We have an extensive programme of fixtures and in the 2021/22 season we played over two hundred fixtures and reached six national finals.

FOOTBALL FACILITIES

• 3 x 11v11 grass football pitches

• 4 x 9v9 grass pitches

• 2 x futsal courts

FOOTBALL COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES

• The level and experience of coaching within our football department is extremely high with all staff holding either UEFA A or B Licence qualifications and many years of experience working in professional football both in the UK and oversees

• Our Director of Football spent six years working with Fleetwood Town FC and now works as both a talent identification scout for the England Lionesses as well as coaching the U17 England Independent Schools (ISFA) team

FOOTBALL SUCCESSES AND HONOURS

• During the 2021-2022 academic year, our students reached six national cup finals, and our U18 girls were crowned national champions (ISFA)

• During the 2022-2023 academic year, our U18 girls became national champions (ISFA) for the second year running

• We currently have no less than nine students signed to professional football club academies, including Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Fleetwood Town

• Two of our students have represented Manchester City Senior Women’s Team

• Twenty four students played international football last year and represented their countries in various competitions including World Cup Qualifiers and European Championship matches

• Six students signed professional contracts with football clubs both within England and overseas

• Six Rossallians are currently studying at US Universities on Football Scholarships.

*Additional fees apply for the Elite Football Programme

GOLF

Since opening in 2016, the Golf Academy at Rossall has proved fantastically successful in terms of its ability to support the development of outstanding young golfers and it does this with great consistency. Rossall Golf Academy caters for students from the age of eight upwards and for all levels of golfing ability; whether that be a beginner just starting out on their golfing journey and working towards obtaining a handicap at a golf club, or a seasoned player wishing to progress through the rankings of amateur golf, with the ultimate aim of winning a scholarship to an American University.

Rossall golf teams play in events throughout the UK and on some of the best courses in the world.

GOLF FACILITIES

On Campus:

Two simulator rooms with GC3 launch monitor technology

Swing room equipped with a GC2 launch monitor

Indoor short game area

Putting Lab equipped with Science & Motion Lab technology

Outdoor grass range.

Off Campus:

• Four partner clubs: Fleetwood Golf Club, Knott End Golf Club, Lancaster Golf Club and Preston Golf Club

• Floodlit Driving Range.

GOLF COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES

• The Golf Academy has two highly experienced PGA qualified coaches - both of whom have over twenty years of coaching experience

• The Academy’s strength and conditioning programmes are designed by Ross Eves, who specialises in biomechanics and specific strength and conditioning for golf players

• Students receive one-to-one coaching, in addition to group training sessions

• The golf programme runs seven days a week, which provides our boarding students with the opportunity to take full advantage of our location at the heart of England’s Golf Coast.

GOLF SUCCESSES AND HONOURS

Rossall School (Seniors) have been ranked number one in the ISGA

(Independent Schools Golf Association) standings four times in the last five years, finishing second on the other two occasions

Rossall School (Juniors) have been ranked in the top ten of the ISGA

(Independent Schools Golf Association) standings for the last four years, finishing second in 2021/22 anf first in 2023

Old Rossallian, Josh Fallows is now Captain of the Oxford University

Men’s Golf Team

International representatives across genders

Numerous students are now playing collegiate golf as student athletes at US Universities where they have gained 100% scholarships.

In 2022/23 our list of victories included:

• ISGA Junior Schools Cup - winners

• ISGA AQ Invitational - Gross Winners

• ISGA Northern Schools Cup - Gross Winners

• ISGA Scottish Open - Winners

• ISGA Home Internationals - Winners

• ISGA Junior Open - Gross Winners

NETBALL

Netball is played throughout the year here at Rossall and constitutes the primary focus of girls’ games during the Lent Term. Pre season training takes place from September onwards and we compete in a number of tournaments both regionally and nationally. We are committed to achieving elite performance but we also want pupils to develop an enduring love of the game.

NETBALL FACILITIES

• State-of -the-art sports hall boasting a full size court, with vast run-off space and ample training facilities

• Three outdoor courts on our floodlit multi-use games area (MUGA).

NETBALL COACHING AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Option to play club netball out of school with partners Wyre Netball Club along with other local clubs

• If applicable, nominations to talent academies across the North of England

• Consistent fixtures for school throughout the week and academic terms

• Option to join the netball touring party to destinations such as Disneyland Paris.

NETBALL SUCCESSES AND HONOURS

• A number of pupils have progressed to membership of high performance squads such as Leeds Rhinos and Manchester Thunder

• Past students have been selected to play for national teams

• Rossall Netball enjoys strong links with Wyre Netball Club, which is a gold level CAPS accredited club.

SUBSIDIARY SPORTS

Alongside our major sports we offer a wide variety of other sports here at Rossall. Our subsidiary programme is hugely diverse, catering for the skills and interests of our equally diverse student body. There is plenty of scope for individual improvement and skill refinement with rigorous competitions and regular fixtures taking place against schools from across the UK.

Tennis is a popular sport at Rossall in the Summer Term. Coaching is offered both individually and in groups from Preparatory School through to Sixth form. We have sessions available for all levels of player.

Basketball is a hugely popular sport at the school and fixtures run throughout the academic year, playing both local school and other independent schools as part of our Saturday sports provision. We participate every year in the Lancashire Basketball Cups.

TENNIS BASKETBALL

Badminton is played across multiple year groups and student ability ranges from complete beginners to advanced club player level. Regular coaching is provided by trained staff within the Sports Department teaching team.

Rossall is fast becoming recognised as one of the top swimming schools in the country with our top junior athletes claiming the IAPs Championship in 2022. Swimming squads have the opportunity to compete in regular galas throughout the year with a particular highlight being a recent competition at the National Swimming Centre in the Olympic Park.

Records go back to the 1800s of Fives being played at Rossall School. Indeed, as one of the first schools to ever play it in the country, Rossall are still proud competitors in this sport with school fixtures taking place against select independent schools during the Lent Term each year.

BADMINTON SWIMMING FIVES

FACILITIES

We are fortunate to have on site some of the best sporting facilities in the North West of England. We host numerous national governing body tournaments and trials. Our facilities are also used extensively for pre season training for a number of national sports teams.

2 rugby pitches

200YD

200 yard golf driving range

3 grass cricket squares

Fully fitted Golf Academy featuring two putting labs and three swing rooms with GC Quad technology

3 full sized grass football pitches

4 9-a-side grass football pitches

60M

60 metre sprint track

Cricket Pavilion dating back to early 1900s

25 metre heated indoor swimming pool with viewing platform

1 climbing wall

5 Fives courts

1 floodlit hockey astroturf

Fully fitted fully functional gymnasium, watt bikes, concept rowers, eight racks

2 fully fitted squash courts

£4.2 million Sports Centre with teaching classrooms and changing rooms

1 full size indoor hockey court

1 full size basketball court

5 full size netball courts

6 badminton courts

Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) with 3 tennis courts

IN DEVELOPMENT

Rossall never stands still and our sporting facilities receive ongoing investment in order to ensure that the sport provision we offer is cutting edge.

Our next big projects include the development of an Artificial Grass Pitch (AGP) and a tennis dome to cover our Multi Use Games Area (MUGA).

We believe that these two new facilities will confirm Rossall School as the sporting hub of the North of England.

ARTIFICIAL GRASS PITCH

This is an exceptionally exciting project that will see a second sports pitch with artificial turf become available all year round to accommodate our growing provision. The pitch ensures perfect playing conditions and does not need recovery time between matches and practices like traditional school sports fields do. This will provide ample opportunities for hosting games through all seasons.

TENNIS DOME

Our top tennis players need access to tennis courts all year. The new tennis dome will ensure that this facility is used to its full potential providing a space for games and designated coaching throughout the day and into the evenings, irrespective of seasons or weather conditions.

INCLUSIVITY & EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

We provide an outstanding programme for high performing athletes but we believe that the experience and joy of playing team sports should be accessible to all children regardless of their starting point. Our inclusive philosophy is a defining characteristic of the School and we are proud to lead the way in terms of gender equality. The success of our girls’ football programme is reflective of our commitment to ensuring complete parity in terms of the ambition and quality of our offering.

SPORTING ALUMNI INCLUDE

Peter Winterbottom Rugby Union

(Harlequins, England, second player to reach 50 caps)

Brian Redman Formula One (McClaren)

Josh Landmann Paratriathlete

(ranked 2nd in GBR Paratriathlon National Championships, 7th in the World Series)

Jacob Draper Hockey

(Welsh National Team, Tokyo Olympics 2022)

Liam Botham Rugby Union, Rugby League, Cricket

(Cardiff, Wigan Warriors, Newcastle Falcons)

Michael Dickinson Record-breaking National Hunt Horse Racing trainer

Chris Leck Rugby Union (Sale Sharks)

Nigel Howard Last amateur England Cricket captain

Paul Dalglish Football

(Newcastle United)

SCHOLARSHIPS

Rossall believes in investing in sporting stars of the future. We are committed to offering an excellent education complemented by exceptional coaching and sports provision for those striving for a professional career. We are able to offer scholarships to pupils with a strong track record of, and potential for future success.

STRUCTURE

Applications for sports scholarships are made for Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 entry and enquiries should be made through the admissions office at admissions@rossall.org.uk. +44 (0)1253 774 267.

ENTRY AT YEAR 7 AND YEAR 9

Sports scholars seeking entrance at Year 7 and Year 9 are expected to have core competencies that ensure an ability to engage holistically with a number of sports as well as being able to demonstrate an understanding of their own speciality sport.

At this level we are seeking to observe athletic ability, potential for development as well as a genuine interest in and passion for their chosen sport.

Sport scholars seeking entrance at Year 9 are expected to have refined their core skills in their chosen sports and show willingness to develop in other sports in order to aid progression.

At this level we are expecting potential scholars to be representing their sport at county standard or above.

ENTRY AT YEAR 12

Sports scholars seeking entry at Year 12 are expected to show a degree of excellence in their chosen sport(s). Candidates will be invited to showcase their abilities through a practice session involving current Rossall students.

At this level we are expecting potential scholars to be representing their sport at county level or above.

PROVISION FOR SPORTS SCHOLARS

WHAT ROSSALL SCHOOL OFFERS:

At Rossall, all scholar athletes will be offered strength and conditioning programs, working with the Strength and Conditioning Coach. Within the strength and conditioning plans offered, the aim is to help improve athletic performance through gym-based activities and through speed and conditioning work so that they can perform to the highest level within their chosen sport. Athletes at our school also receive multiple strength and conditioning plans throughout the academic year, tailored to the needs of individual athlete goals and the time period within the season of their sport. In addition, athletes will be able to work and develop a close working relationship with the Strength and Conditioning Coach and other academic physical education staff to help achieve the goals and ambitions at whatever level the athlete desires to achieve while also being provided advice from experienced staff members on how they can achieve this.

THE PROGRAM AT ROSSALL SCHOOL PROVIDES:

• Strength and conditioning sessions with the Strength and Conditioning Coach

• Multiple strength and conditioning plans that are individually tailored to the athlete’s needs, the demands of the athlete’s 6g sport and time period within their season

• Weekly meetings to manage and track progress of the athlete’s athletic development

• Regular performance screening, performance testing and functional movement screening to track the athlete’s athletic development and ensure they are developing their performance to the highest standard

• Ensuring programs maintain safety and ensuring programs help to reduce injuries and apply sport specific progression

• Access to use sport facilities such as: the gym, sports hall, astroturf and equipment during sessions and free time

• Access to additional support from academic physical education staff to further athletes athletic development

• Experienced staff members who are always willing to help and provide advice to the athletes and students.

TOURING SCHEDULE

Touring is a key part of sport as it allows pupils to deepen their bonds with that particular sport but also provides lifelong memories with friends and School. We will be offering many tours moving forward and Rossall is delighted to publish a brief outline of the proposed touring schedules. These should not be subject to change and will allow future planning for parents, families and pupils.

Football Tour - Spain

Easter Holidays

2023 TO 2024

Hockey Tour - Holland

February Half Term

2024 TO 2025

Multi Sport - Portugal

Easter Holidays

Multi Sports - South Africa

Summer Holidays

Long Haul Tour