Sports at Clifton
Welcome from the Director of Sport
Clifton College offers a wide range of sporting options across a variety of disciplines.
At Clifton College, the sports programme is rooted in the school’s core values of spirit, integrity, and resilience, nurturing students to excel both in participation and performance. With a diverse array of opportunities, the programme fosters a lifelong love for physical activity and personal growth.
By inspiring, challenging and supporting all pupils, Clifton College cultivates an environment where students can thrive, reaching their full potential in sports and beyond.
Clifton has forged pathways and strong links with professional clubs, offering aspiring student athletes a clear route to pursue their sporting ambitions beyond the school grounds.
DIRECTOR OF SPORT
- Stuart Loughrey
Originally from Dublin, Stuart moved to England to study at Loughborough University. He played international sport for 10 years, balancing his passion for sport with work and study.
His career has taken him to various schools across the country, each experience shaping his approach to sports education, before joining Clifton College in 2017.
If you would like to speak to Stuart directly, email sloughrey@cliftoncollege.com
Watch our video about Sports at Clifton
Sport on offer
At Clifton College, the sports programme is as diverse as it is comprehensive.
Offering an extensive range of sporting options across various disciplines, students have ample opportunities to explore their athletic passions.
A-Z OF SPORTS
• Athletics & Cross Country
• Badminton
• Cricket
• Fitness (Aerobics/Spin/Zumba)
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Horse Riding
• Netball
• Rackets
• Rowing
• Rugby
• Sailing
• Swimming
• Tennis
Rugby
Clifton College rugby plays a huge role in the development of all pupils that take part.
The programme has a level and form of the game appropriate for all. This allows all to experience the broader opportunities that rugby brings to aid the development of our pupils.
Pupils play fixtures every week and we believe that playing opportunities that are relevant and appropriate to each pupil’s level is what really develops the character of our students.
Those students who wish to excel and perform at rugby play on one of the hardest circuits in schools rugby with fixtures against Sedbergh, Llandovery, Harrow, Wellington, Hartpury, Millfield and Blackrock from Dublin.
Equally for those that wish to experience rugby at a participation level there are bespoke fixtures that allow pupils to develop their confidence in the game. Those that are new to the game can find a staged approach to learning the game with gradual increase in the intensity and physicality as the term progresses.
MEET THE TEAM
DIRECTOR OR RUGBY - Matt Salter
Matt previously played for Bristol Bears before coaching the academy team at the club. He then moved into a role in higher education as Head Coach of Bristol University before joining Clifton College over a decade ago. He initially coached the U16 rugby side, then the 1st XV and is now Director of Rugby.
If you would like to speak to Matt directly, email msalter@cliftoncollege.com
HIGH PERFORMANCE RUGBY MANAGER - Danny Grewcock
Danny works across the college rugby programme coaching teams and is in his 14th season working in development sport and his 6th year at Clifton College. He is an RFU level 4 coach and also assists the Bristol Bears Academy programme, identifying and supporting the pupils with ambitions to play representative rugby.
If you would like to speak to Danny directly, email dgrewcock2@cliftoncollege.com
Hockey
The Hockey programme at Clifton College caters for all, ranging from the elite in International Pathways to the development level and those playing for the love of the game.
At Clifton College we aim to develop all players regardless of level, alongside instilling a passion for hockey whilst supporting their academic studies. Players are challenged with competitive fixtures and structured training environments, every team gets access to one of our excellent coaches (including 2 international players).
On any given Saturday we release players to play club hockey to ensure every player is challenged in the appropriate environment, and our fixtures remain competitive. Over the past two years we have had over 27 players represent the Girls 1st XI.
We are constantly building links with local clubs in the area, not only do we have links with Clifton Robinsons who’s Ladies 1s, 2s and Men 1st XI play at Beggars Bush to provide Premier and national League access for our pupils in Prep and Upper School but also have players representing Bristol University, Redland and Firebrands at Senior Level.
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD OF HOCKEY - Olly Keenan
Olly Keenan is Head of Hockey at Clifton College. Olly has a wealth of experience from a number of different environments, including former Bath Talent Academy Head Coach, England Boys White Coach at DiSE and current Clifton Robinsons U18 Girls and 2nd XI coach.
If you would like to speak to Olly directly, email okeenan@cliftoncollege.com
COACHES
The Hockey programme at Clifton College boasts a wealth of coaching staff with a huge amount of international playing and coaching experience.
Netball
Every pupil will have the chance to play as part of a competitive team regardless of the level. If competition isn’t an area of interest we also have development netball sessions on offer.
Our netball programme runs year round, even though our main netball term is in Lent (Jan- March) we still have a continued provision of netball in Michaelmas and Summer term.
Alongside the general school provision we also have a performance sport scholarships. Netball scholars will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a performance sport programme which provides them with access to:
• Technical and tactical sessions tailored for individual/team improvements
• Strength and conditioning sessions with a specialist S&C coach
• Access to our on campus physio
• Field trips to Sport university facilities to engage with experts in sport nutrition, and sport psychology
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD OF NETBALL - Laura Turner
Laura has a wealth of both playing and school experience having played netball at both Superleague and National level. She has also been Head of Netball and a Director of Sport in previous schools.
If you would like to speak to Laura directly, email lturner3@cliftoncollege.com
COACHES
The Netball programme at Clifton College boasts a wealth of coaching staff with a huge amount of playing and coaching experience.
Football
The football programme at Clifton College offers the opportunity to players of all levels.
The senior group has five male teams plus two female teams with plans to expand further. The junior section has male teams at under 14 and under 15, with each age group offering fixtures to three teams and there is also one female team at under 15.
During the Michaelmas term, September to December, the first and second XI enter two cup competitions and also play friendly fixtures in preparation for the Lent Term. The ISFA league competition begins in the Lent term, offering regular competitive fixtures.
Training and matches take place at our Beggar’s Bush sports facility which offers a 3G football pitch and excellent grass pitches. The Chellaram complex (opened September 2024) also offers a brand new indoor facility at our Beggar Bush’s site.
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD OF FOOTBALL - Billy Clark
Billy Clark is the Head of Football at Clifton College, bringing a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the role. Billy is a UEFA A licence coach since 2007 and has coached since retiring from professional and semi-professional football in 2007. Billy made almost 350 league appearances, and a similar amount in semi-professional football.
The goal for the programme is to develop the abilities and skills of the players in all squads, supporting them to reach their full potential.
The potential of the individual players varies across the whole group, success for us as coaches is getting the players to realise or exceed their potential.
If you would like to speak to Billy directly, email wclark@cliftoncollege.com
Tennis
At Clifton College, tennis is a sport that caters to players of all standards, from competitive athletes to those who play for fun. Our program ensures that every individual has the opportunity to receive top-notch instruction from professional tennis coaches. Players are grouped by ability, allowing for more tailored and effective training sessions. We utilize not only the excellent facilities on campus but also the local David Lloyd Centre, enhancing the training experience.
Throughout the year, our players participate in sanctioned tournaments, providing them with the chance to compete at some of the most prestigious locations. Additionally, every two years, we offer an overseas tennis-specific training camp, open to all students who are passionate about the sport. This camp provides an intensive and enjoyable experience, helping players to significantly improve their skills.
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD OF TENNIS - Kerris Wagstaff
For over a decade, Kerris Wagstaff has been at the helm of Clifton College’s tennis programme, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment for players of all standards. Her dedication and vision have transformed tennis at Clifton College into a thriving programme that caters to everyone from Pre-Prep students to those in the Upper School.
If you would like to speak to Kerris directly, email kwagstaff@cliftoncollege.com
COACHES
Mrs. Wagstaff’s efforts are supported by two exceptional tennis coaches, Mr. Chris Counter and Mr. Sam Neathey. Both Mr. Counter and Mr. Neathey are LTA Level 3 Tennis Coaches, bringing a wealth of expertise to the program. They play a crucial role in delivering the individual coaching sessions and overseeing the games, ensuring that each player receives the attention and training they need to develop their skills.
Cricket
Clifton College Cricket embodies a holistic approach to cricket, balancing both participation and performance to foster a culture of excellence and inclusivity. The program prides itself on nurturing young talent while instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
At Clifton, participation is key, with opportunities for students of all skill levels to engage in cricket. From recreational matches to competitive fixtures, every student is encouraged to develop their passion for the game. This inclusive ethos not only promotes physical well-being but also cultivates a sense of belonging within the school community.
However, alongside this emphasis on participation, Clifton College Cricket maintains a strong focus on performance. Talented individuals are identified and provided with specialised coaching and support to reach their full potential. The program’s dedicated coaching staff, many of whom have experience at professional levels, ensure that aspiring cricketers receive the guidance they need to excel.
MEET THE TEAM
HEAD OF CRICKET - Tim Hancock
Having played first-class cricket from 1991 to 2005, Tim Hancock transitioned into coaching. Specialising in nurturing young talent, Tim has dedicated himself to coaching age-group players, honing their skills and fostering their love for the game.
If you would like to speak to Billy directly, email thancock2@cliftoncollege.com
COACHES
The collective expertise of the Cricket coaching team enhances the cricketing experience for students. Alongside the specialist coaches are a passionate group of teachers who instil an enthusiasm for cricket among the students. Together, they are dedicated to shaping not just skilled cricketers, but also well-rounded individuals who embody the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.
Strength & Conditioning
The goals of our Strength & Conditioning provision is to educate our student athletes on how to to train correctly, understand nutrition for performance, and ensure they are fit and ready to represent the school in their chosen sport. In turn we give them the tools for a potential future career in professional sport.
Our programme goes through several development stages as our students progress through the school, beginning with physical literacy and ending with our elite development.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING LEAD - Edward Tait
Edward is the Strength & Conditioning lead for the Prep and Upper schools. He studied Sports Performance and Strength & Conditioning at Bath University before joining Clifton College.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
SPORT SPECIFIC
LEARN TO LIFT PROGRAMME
FOUNDATIONAL FITNESS TRAINING
Sports Medical
SPORTS TRAUMA MANAGEMENT
SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPY
2 X IN-HOUSE SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
INJURY PREVENTION
INJURY ASSESSMENTS & DIAGNOSIS
CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT - RETURN TO PLAY
REHABILITATION FROM INJURY
Performance Sports Programme
The Performance Sports Programme (PSP) at Clifton College is there to support the most talented, most ambitious and those with the most potential.
Initially the programme has a broad non-specialised physical, skill and mental development focus that endeavours to give the pupil a wide and diverse capacity to perform in multiple sports.
As the pupil progresses through Clifton, and as they get older, the programme tailors to the sport that the pupil excels in. This involves a much more individual approach to the pupils’ needs and is specific to their current level of physical and skill development.
The programme is delivered by our own sport specialist coaches, sports medical team and in-house strength and conditioning staff. Those involved in delivering the programme to our pupils are all involved heavily in
the day to day life of The College. They have roles and responsibilities within sports teams and most have a pastoral link through being involved in the house system.
Having our PSP staff not only involved in the programme but throughout the fabric of school life means that they not only know the child through a sporting lens but also as a person. This allows them a unique and holistic picture of the child and means that they understand all that goes on for them through the day and their time at Clifton.
This child-centred approach allows us to truly deliver on our goal of giving each pupil that interacts with the performance sport programme the support and opportunities needed to be the best version of themselves when they leave Clifton. We also hope that whatever the outcome for that pupil in sport they will always look back on their experiences in the programme and say to themselves ‘It made a difference to me and I would do it all again’.
WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?
• 2 timetabled 45 minute weekly conditioning slots for all pupils on programme
• Weekly extra 45 minute skills session
• Timetabled sport specific lecture around nutrition (food diaries), psychology, academic opportunities etc.
• Access to extra nutrition cards and supplementary nutrition
• Access to physio clinics 3 times a week
ACADEMIC INTERVENTION
• Effort Grades are monitored
• Cross matched against year group average
• If below average first intervention discussion
• Half term to resolve
• Remain or remove from programme and reviewed half termly
Facilities
The school’s impressive sports facilities total 90 acres, providing pupils with international-standard indoor and outdoor sports provision.
We are also lucky to have a water-based hockey pitch and 3G rugby pitch, accompanied by a range of traditional courts including rackets and real tennis.
The College received a remarkable gift from Mr Lal Chellaram, an Old Cliftonian, and the Chellaram Foundation, to build a new state-of-the-art sports complex at Beggar’s Bush which opened in September 2024.
The Chellaram Sports Complex houses an eight court hall for netball, tennis, basketball and badminton amongst other sports, as well as a 60 m2 indoor bouldering wall. It is arguably the finest indoor facility in the South West of England.
CHELLARAM SPORTS COMPLEX
FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS AND AMENITIES
• 12x Badminton Courts
• 3x Netball Courts
• 3x Basketball Courts with electronic scoreboards
• 9x Cricket Lanes
• 2x Half Indoor Hockey Pitches
• 3x Tennis Courts
• Indoor Hockey Pitch
• Bouldering Wall
• 3x Large team changing rooms and toilet facilities
• Retractable seating for centre court with a capacity of 200
• Seating for up to 140 with presentation facilities
• Free parking for up to 270 cars
• Catering options available upon request
Watch the video about the Chellaram Sports Complex
Scholarships
Clifton College offers pupils a unique opportunity to achieve distinction and personal excellence through our scholarships programme.
Sport Scholarships are won in open competition, awarded on merit and assessed on potential. Scholars can access additional coaching sessions, skills clinics, strength and conditioning programmes, sports physiotherapy, alongside further opportunities and support to help them make the most of their talents.
The programme has supported many students who have continued with their sports at University level, which has assisted their placements, including US scholarships. Several scholars and students gain professional contracts and go straight into the sports industry, including rugby and cricket contracts.
Notable previous scholars include Lily Owsley - GB Hockey player and Olympic Gold Medalist, Ioan Lloyd - Llanelli Scarlets rugby player and Welsh International and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso - England Rugby and Exeter Chiefs player.
Sport Scholarships available for 11+, 13+ and 16+.
Pathways
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A SPORTS SCHOLAR?
• All round ability & sport specific high performance
• High standards across the fitness components
• Positive attitude and mental toughness
• Coachability
• Drive to achieve
OPPORTUNITIES TO COACH AND OFFICIATE
GCSE & A LEVEL PE, BTEC SPORT
GUIDANCE ON SPORTS DEGREES AT UNIVERSITY
APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TO UNIVERSITIES
SEMI/PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS