Elite Sports Academies

Elite Sports

Academies

Ackworth School Sporting Academies

A Platform for Academic Success Sports, physical health and mental wellbeing are very important to all Ackworth pupils. Our specialist sports academies provide the opportunity for talented pupils to train under world-class coaches in tailor-made programmes.

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Elite Sports Academies

“ Ackworth School has developed an exceptional tradition of sporting excellence in both girls’ and boys’ games in recent years.

We have achieved this through vigorous discipline, excellent coaching, investment in facilities and with a marked regard to flexibility regarding the curriculum.

Many pupils represent the school, Yorkshire and England at county and national level and several have continued to excel on the world stage.”

Anton Maree, Head of School

ackworthschool.com

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Football Academy Ackworth School Football Academy is an elite football development programme for boys, directed by Jamie Fullarton, a former English Premier League footballer, and qualified UEFA Pro Licence coach.

In addition to an internationally-renowned coach, the outstanding facilities at Ackworth School include five full-sized pitches, an all-weather pitch and an indoor training area. The academy’s home ground is a nearby state-of-the-art 3G pitch.

The intensive coaching schedule provides an extensive introduction to football skills, combined with the high standards of an Ackworth School education. The aim of the programme is to prepare students in all aspects of the game and enable them to take advantage of opportunities created with professional football clubs.

Academy students study for GCSE or A Levels, with a primary focus on playing

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Elite Sports Academies

football and exploring alternative careers within the football industry, such as journalism, analysis or coaching.

The academy has three teams, for players aged under 19, under 16 and under 13 years old. Players receive a minimum of 20 hours of football training per week, plus daily coaching sessions and weekly matches, at home and away, to develop their skills.

They also receive constructive criticism and learn about tactics, strategy and the reality of living a life of football.

Places in the academy are limited, with preference given to students enrolled at Ackworth School. Football Academy scholarships are available for those who meet the required standard.

Major football clubs near Ackworth School:

Manchester United Manchester City Liverpool Everton Huddersfield Town Sheffield United Sheffield Wednesday Bradford City Barnsley Leeds United Doncaster Rovers Rotherham United Burnley Hull City

“ Ackworth’s Football Academy programme enables students to train for a role in football and receive a first-rate education at the same time.

It’s ideal for pupils interested in pursuing a future in the football industry. The programme empowers students and encourages them to achieve their best.” amie Fullarton, J Football Academy Director ackworthschool.com

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“ I want Ackworth School to be seen as the place to come if you want to be an elite performer. If you have that dream of being a top player within table tennis, then this is your opportunity.” li Baraty, Table Tennis Academy Head Coach, E ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) qualified coach and international player.

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Elite Sports Academies

The table tennis programme at Ackworth School includes coaching with: Eli Baraty - international high performance coach Sam Mabey - professional player and former England Junior international Chris Parker - county coach

Table Tennis Academy The Ackworth School Table Tennis Academy is a pre-eminent programme, not only within UK boarding schools, but within the entire junior game, under the expert guidance of internationally-renowned Head Coach and player Eli Baraty. The vision is to provide aspiring young table tennis players with the opportunity to train inside a professional table tennis programme integrated with an outstanding education.

An accomplished table tennis player, Eli Baraty has competed at the highest levels in the German league and represented England in Sweden and Switzerland.

Students benefit from his vast experience on the world stage and his reputation as a high-performance coach, with many of the players he has coached at grassroots level becoming internationally recognised.

Academy students train for up to five hours per day, with a bespoke programme created by Eli and his team for each pupil.

All students receive fitness and conditioning, private coaching and group training.

centre. Pupils also have the opportunity to travel within the UK to tournaments including 4-star events, the English Schools Championships, Junior British League, National Championships and to selected international competitions.

Pupils at the Ackworth School Table Tennis Academy are provided with national and international club links. They may attend universities where there are good opportunities to receive sport scholarships and play semi-professionally and even professionally, or become international players representing their native countries.

Students compete in the premier division of the Junior British League and train in Ackworth School’s bespoke table tennis

ackworthschool.com

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Ackworth School Squash Academy delivers the highest level of coaching, and the opportunity to play at a competitive level, through our unique affiliation with the internationally-celebrated Pontefract Squash Club. The Yorkshire-based, world-class club has produced world-ranked number 1 players, has an established platform for the development of younger players, and encourages high academic and behavioural standards.

Squash Academy The club offers a systematic and sequential squash programme, which presents all players with the opportunity to cultivate their game to reach their fullest potential. Planned training sessions encourage individuals to develop a wide range of racket skills, including handeye coordination, gross motor skills, strength and balance. There are many opportunities to build technique through group training, match play and various club competitions. Feedback is provided to ensure future improvement and development.

The club is officially recognised as a centre of excellence and one of the select few to have been awarded Gold Charter status by the sport’s governing body, England Squash. It is one of only 12 clubs in the UK to have a team in the Premier Squash League (National League). The club is home to Lee Beachill, three times British Champion, and James Willstrop, former World No.1, former World Junior No.1 and Commonwealth Gold Medalist (2018).

Pontefract Squash Club boasts an array of excellent facilities, including eight squash courts, five of which are glass-backed, with viewing available on every court.

The club is inclusive, facilitating disabled access to squash and offering coaching to those with hearing impairments.

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Elite Sports Academies

Ackworth School has the full range of facilities available to rival any academy, including squash courts, a fully fledged large-scale sports hall, gymnastic facilities, all-weather astro pitch, a fitness suite and a heated indoor swimming pool. Squash Academy members can practise aerobic endurance, as well as building strength and stamina, which can help alleviate the stress on the body’s muscles and joints and help to prevent squash injuries.

“ The environment at Ackworth gave me the room to pursue what I wanted outside the school to the fullest degree, and yet to balance that with a broader learning atmosphere, without any pressure.” ames Willstrop, former Ackworth pupil J and Men’s Squash World No.1

“ Pontefract Squash and Leisure Club is a great place for squash training, with a great gym set-up. Top players are always around, which creates a great atmosphere on court and inspires the youngsters. Highly recommend this club.”

M isaki Kobayashi, the highest-ranked Japanese squash player in history

ackworthschool.com

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Sports Scholarships and Bursaries Ackworth School recognises the exceptional gifts and talents of young people through the award of scholarships. In cases of need, means-tested bursaries are available. The school will consider applications to supplement a scholarship with a bursary. The number and size of scholarships is at the discretion of the Head.

Sports scholarships may be awarded for students who show exceptional potential in team and individual sports offered within the curriculum. Sports scholarships are assessed through recommendation, consultation and practical assessment by the Head of Sport, along with an interview with the Head.

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Elite Sports Academies

Sports at Ackworth School Providing students with a positive foundation for academic work.

Athletics Archery Badminton Basketball Cricket Cross country Football Gymnastics Hockey Netball Rounders Squash Swimming Table tennis Taekwondo Tag rugby Tennis Volleyball

ackworthschool.com

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Pontefract Road, Ackworth, Pontefract, Wakefield, WF7 7LT England Tel: +44 (0)1977 233600 Email: admissions@ackworthschool.com

www.ackworthschool.com