SPORT at Malvern College
OUR VISION
At Malvern, our vision is to establish a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performance sports programme that engages every student. We aim to empower elite athletes to excel, inspire all pupils to embrace lifelong physical activity, and foster a culture of leadership, teamwork, and well-being. Sport at Malvern is a central pillar of school life, supporting the development of character and community across all year groups.
Why We Do What We Do
Our sports programme is built on four key pillars: engagement, enjoyment, development, and positive outcomes. These principles guide every decision we make and reflect our belief in the importance of sport as a tool for wholeperson development.
We believe that sport has the capacity to:
• Foster a lifelong love of physical activity.
• Support the holistic development of each individual.
• Provide life-changing opportunities.
• Reinforce the Malvern Qualities.
Sport at Malvern is a vehicle for shaping character, creating community, and preparing young people for life.
<< Sport at Malvern College
The Malvern College Sporting Pathway
The sporting pathway at Malvern College is broadly divided into two complementary spheres: Participation and Performance
These two spheres are not mutually exclusive. Many students will move fluidly between them-either within a specific sport or across different sports-throughout their time at Malvern. Each sphere, however, tends to be driven by distinct motivational factors:
- Participation: Engagement and Enjoyment.
- Performance: Development and Outcomes.
Participation Performance
Our aim is to create a balanced, inclusive sports programme that encourages lifelong participation in physical activity. We recognise that all students benefit from all four motivational drivers.
The Four Drivers of the Malvern Sports Experience
Importantly, each stage of this pathway also plays a vital role in developing the Malvern Qualities, nurturing traits such as resilience, humility, integrity, collaboration, and self-awareness; qualities that prepare our pupils not only for success in sport, but for life beyond Malvern.
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2 3 4 Engagement Enjoyment Performance Development Outcomes
Encouraging regular involvement for its social and health-related benefits
Emphasising fun, intrinsic motivation, and well-being through positive experiences
Supporting growth in physical, psychological, technical, and tactical areas
Enabling personal satisfaction and confidence through measurable achievements
Developing Malvern Qualities Through Sport
At Malvern we teach the importance of a set of well-tested values called the Malvern Qualities. Nowhere are these qualities better fostered and encouraged than through our commitment to sport. From resilience at the crease, to perseverance in front of the goal posts, to simply trying something new and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, this is where role models are shaped.
Shaping Role Models
Role Model Quality
Risk-taking
Path Finders
Integrity
Curiosity
Free Thinkers
Team Builders
Change Makers
Independence
Open-minded
Collaborative
Ambitious
Resilient
Self-aware
Communicators
Humble
Kind
Associated
Life Skills
Confidence, initiative, learning from mistakes
Coaching Actions/Behaviours
Encourage trying new skills or roles; frame failure as part of growth and innovation.
Honesty, accountability, fairness Model and promote owning mistakes; reinforce learning from poor decisions.
Questioning, exploration, reflective thinking
Self-direction, accountability
Listening, adaptability, creativity
Teamwork, shared responsibility
Goal setting, motivation, self-discipline
Perseverance, emotional control
Reflection, emotional intelligence, personal insight
Respect, modesty, learning from others
Empathy, compassion, support for others
Pose open-ended questions; allow exploration in practices; encourage reflective feedback.
Allow pupils to lead warm-ups or drills; encourage ownership of their learning and decisions.
Introduce varied tactical/technical ideas; encourage discussion and trying new approaches.
Foster cooperative drills; assign roles that require shared goals and mutual accountability.
Help pupils set personal goals; push them beyond comfort zones; praise effort and improvement.
Set challenging tasks; encourage bounce-back from failure; support reflection on setbacks.
Encourage pupils to reflect on their performance; support emotional control and recognition of personal strengths and areas for development.
Encourage pupils to listen to feedback; highlight strengths in others; discourage arrogance.
Create an environment where pupils support peers in difficulty and celebrate others’ success.
The awarding of Sports Colours at Malvern College recognises not only athletic performance but also the broader contributions pupils make to their teams and to school sport. These awards aim to promote and reward commitment, leadership, and representation, alongside performance.
Sports Colours should not be seen as a guaranteed outcome based on performance alone. Pupils who experience special circumstances-such as long-term injury-may still be eligible, provided their ongoing contributions (e.g., supporting training, assisting coaches, contributing to team culture) demonstrate the values we aim to celebrate.
Awarding Criteria
Awards are based on four key criteria:
• Performance - Consistent and/or high levels of contribution in matches and competitions
• Commitment - Dedication to training, fixtures, and overall involvement
• Representation - Representing the school in fixtures across the season
• Leadership - Positive influence on teammates and/or engagement in leadership roles within the team
Sports Colours Awards
Award Categories
1. Junior Colours
• Eligibility: FY and Remove pupils
• Criteria: Must meet all four criteria (performance, commitment, representation, leadership)
2. Half Colours
• Eligibility: 100s, Pre-Sixth, Sixth Form
• Criteria: Must meet two of the four criteria listed above
3. Full Colours
• Eligibility: 100s, Pre-Sixth, Sixth Form
• Criteria: Must meet all four criteria (performance, commitment, representation, leadership)
Nomination Process
Nominations are submitted by team coaches to the Director responsible for their specific sport. After nominations are submitted, a review panel will convene to finalise awards. This committee includes:
• The Director of Sport
• The Directors of the respective sports Award Presentation
Once awards are confirmed, pupils will receive their Colours from the Head of Sport for their discipline. Presentations will take place in a team ceremony or meeting, in front of peers and fellow team members, in a format appropriate to the team and the occasion.
House Sport
House matches and House Sport have been a fundamental part of life at Malvern College for over 150 years. These events are woven into the fabric of the school’s sporting tradition and serve as a vital pillar in the development of every pupil.
House Sport provides a unique opportunity for inclusive participation, encouraging pupils of all abilities to engage in physical activity, regardless of prior experience. By working and competing in diverse teams—often alongside peers they may not normally play with—pupils learn to adapt, support one another, and build lasting relationships across year groups.
Importantly, House Sport enables pupils with greater sporting experience to take on leadership roles within their Houses. Through organising teams, mentoring peers, and setting the tone of sportsmanship, they cultivate responsibility, communication, and empathy—traits that align directly with the Malvern Qualities:
- Collaboration and kindness through teamwork and support - Resilience and integrity in moments of challenge or adversity
- Humility and ambition as they strive for success while honouring the spirit of fair play
Participation in House Sport also deepens pupils’ understanding of rules, structure, and cooperation, instilling respect for the game and its shared values. These experiences develop essential life skills that extend far beyond the sports field.
Beyond its educational value, House Sport fosters community spirit and promotes physical well-being. Most of all, it celebrates the joy of playing and competing—reminding us that sport is not just about results, but about effort, enjoyment, and the collective experience.
House sporting events are scheduled at appropriate times each term and typically take place during designated sports sessions. Every pupil has the chance to take part, contribute, and perhaps most importantly, discover a lifelong love of sport.
Global Sports and Tours
At Malvern College, sports tours form a vital and enriching part of our sporting programme. While each sport has its own touring schedule—communicated well in advance by the respective Head of Sport—the most important aspect is not where we tour, but why we tour.
Every pupil at Malvern will have the opportunity to participate in at least one sports tour during their time at the College. These tours are far more than just competitive fixtures abroad—they are immersive experiences designed to promote growth, character, and camaraderie in a unique and memorable environment.
Sports tours provide an invaluable platform for pupils to:
- Develop the Malvern Qualities in real-world settings, such as resilience, integrity, humility, collaboration, and independence.
- Strengthen team bonds through shared experiences away from home.
- Experience life as a professional athlete, with structured days requiring punctuality, discipline, and selflessness.
- Foster leadership and accountability, as pupils take on increased responsibility for themselves and one another.
- Immerse in new cultures, expanding their awareness of global sport and society.
While the destination and opposition vary, the core value of every tour remains consistent: creating an environment that challenges and inspires pupils to become better teammates, stronger individuals, and more self-aware young adults.
Sport at Malvern College is truly global. Our pupils join us from around the world, bringing with them diverse perspectives and a shared passion for competition. They represent the College, the region, and the country at international events, while many of our alumni continue to play sport at the highest levels across the globe. Through life-enhancing international tours - from South Africa, the USA and Canada to Germany, Spain, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand - our pupils experience new cultures, see the world, and meet different teams, all while upholding the values of Malvernian sportsmanship and enhancing their cultural awareness through the universal language of sport.
The Talented Athlete Programme
At Malvern College, the Talented Athlete Programme is designed to support our most dedicated and high-performing sports pupils. The programme provides bespoke, holistic development opportunities that reflect the demands of high-level performance sport, while upholding the values of character, resilience, and wellbeing central to a Malvern education.
1. Bespoke Coaching and Specialist Support
Athletes on the programme benefit from personalised technical and tactical coaching delivered by experienced teaching staff, Heads of Sport, and leading external professional coaches. This ensures access to sport-specific expertise tailored to each athlete’s development stage and goals.
2. Performance Video Analysis
Where appropriate, athletes receive individualised feedback through video analysis. This powerful tool helps athletes better understand game play, technique, and decision-making to drive improvements.
3. Individual Development Planning
Each Athlete works closely with staff to create an individual program that sets out ambitious but realistic performance targets. Progress is monitored and support adjusted as needed.
4. Strength and Conditioning Support
The physical development of athletes is supported through direct coaching from the Head of Strength and Conditioning, ensuring expert guidance on physical performance, injury prevention, and recovery.
5. Mentoring and Coaching Skills
Senior athletes are offered mentoring training and opportunities to lead and support younger pupils. This enhances leadership skills and cultivates a culture of shared learning, responsibility, and high expectations.
6. Psychologyand nutrition workshops
Workshops throughout the year offer pupils sessions on sports psychology - focusing on mental toughness, managing pressure, and positive coping strategies - as well as on nutrition to support performance and recovery.
Super-curriculum: Sports Interest Group
As part of Malvern College’s commitment to a broad, holistic education, a Sport Society has been established by our College Prefects. The group will meet once or twice each term to explore contemporary issues in sports coaching and performance, with a particular focus on their relevance to Malvern College.
The aim is to stimulate critical thinking, enrich the sporting culture at Malvern through shared learning, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of sport within the College.
Prep Schools Engagement
At Malvern College, we recognise the importance of building and sustaining strong relationships with Prep schools. These partnerships not only support the development of young athletes but also play a key role in promoting the Malvern College sports programme and attracting talented, sport-minded pupils. Engagement with Prep schools enables us to showcase the breadth, quality, and ethos of sport at Malvern. Our preferred approach is to host events and interactions on-site, where prospective pupils and their families can experience our environment first-hand. Below is an overview of our core engagement strategies, listed in order of strategic priority:
Key Engagement Activities
• Hosting Prep School Sports Tournaments and Fixtures
These events give visiting pupils and parents an immersive experience of Malvern’s facilities, coaching standards, and school culture.
• Sporting Masterclasses and Coaching Sessions
Delivered either at Malvern College or on-site at Prep schools, these sessions foster strong relationships and allow our staff to demonstrate best practice in coaching.
• Prep School Staff CPD Sessions
We support the development of Prep school coaches and teachers through professional development sessions, promoting shared learning and educational alignment.
• Coaching Visits to Prep Schools
Malvern staff regularly visit Prep schools to lead or support training sessions, helping to build trust, continuity, and sporting inspiration.
• Officiating at Prep School Events
Providing officials for Prep school competitions supports their programmes while raising visibility and demonstrating goodwill.
• Attendance at Prep School Events as Malvern Ambassadors
Senior staff and members of the Sports Department attend events in a representative capacity, offering a valuable personal connection to Malvern College.
Our Partnership with The Downs Malvern
We enjoy a particularly close and proactive relationship with our Prep School, The Downs Malvern. This partnership includes:
• Regular delivery of coaching sessions, particularly on Wednesday afternoons
• Mentoring and development support for The Downs’ sports scholars
• Staff development and CPD support tailored to their coaching teams
• Shared use of facilities and coordinated transition opportunities for promising young athletes
Coaching Philosophy
At Malvern College, our coaching approach is rooted in a shared commitment to developing confident, capable, and character-driven young people through sport. While each coach brings their own perspective and personality to their work, we are united in our belief that sport should nurture not only performance, but also personal growth, mental and physical well-being, and the lifelong values that underpin the Malvern Qualities.
Through coaching, we aim to cultivate resilience, curiosity, humility, kindness, ambition, and integrity—helping pupils to grow into thoughtful, self-aware individuals. Sport is more than just a game at Malvern; it is a powerful vehicle for education, character formation, and connection.
Reflections from members of our coaching team, capturing the spirit and depth of our collective philosophy:
“My coaching philosophy is player-focused, with a strong emphasis on developing decisionmaking and adaptability through realistic match scenarios. I believe the most effective learning takes place when players are engaged in game-like situations that mirror the demands and pressures of real competition. By focusing on the individual within the team environment, I aim to develop confident, intelligent players who can think critically and respond effectively during matches.”
- Becky Carter (Head of Netball)
“Inspire through hard work, consistent effort, and leading by example — always show up!
Support each individual in becoming the best version of themselves, using a flexible coaching approach tailored to their needs, drive, ability, and skill level.
Build meaningful relationships with pupils through sport by being approachable, friendly, and engaging.
Deliver expert knowledge with clarity, confidence, and precision.
Create an environment where everyone feels motivated to participate, improve, and strive for excellence.
Aim to be the best coach they’ve ever had.”
- George Rhodes (Cricket Professional)
“I have a clear philosophy around coaching and learning: I believe that environments and interactions should empower athletes to develop confidence and competence to flourish and grow.
This is achieved by creating great relationships, offering holistic support, and providing decision-rich learning experiences that challenge athletes physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It’s vital to drive elite behaviours, praise effort, and find the right balance between stretch and support — pushing athletes beyond their limits while facilitating a shift from coach dependency to autonomous, self-directed behaviour.”
- Elliot Foweraker (Director of Hockey)
“My coaching approach is built on the 3 Ps: Person – Building strong relationships and understanding the individual to unlock their potential.
Player – Supporting skill and tactical development as well as game understanding. Performance – Focusing on outcomes, but only after developing the person and the player. In my experience, this order is the catalyst for long-term performance and growth.”
- Nick Tisdale (Master i/c Rugby)
Sports Absence Policy
• As per the calendar, Sport or physical activity is expected in three sports sessions per week.
• At the start of each term Sports choices will be collected on SOCS and registers will become live on here too.
• Coaching staff will then take registers at each of their sessions via SOCS mobile or on Surfaces.
• SOCS & Registration
• All sports sessions are set up on SOCS.
• Unauthorised Absence – Pupil missing with no reason.
• Authorised Absence – Pupil missing, either with a prior reason (e.g. approved Lesson or booked Gym session) or they are attending a different Option/Core sport or are off change (which will be flagged on SOCS).
• Attended – they were present.
Other Sporting Absence Policy
• National representation overrides Malvern fixtures by prior arrangement and agreement with the teacher i/c the sport. It is the responsibility of the teacher i/c the sport to communicate with the county/academy/club/player/parents and liaise with the Director of Sport and Assistant to the Second Master to confirm absence.
• Regional/county/academy representation does not override Malvern fixtures – but if properly negotiated with the Master i/c and if it is appropriate for both parties it can. It is the responsibility of the teacher i/c the sport to communicate with the county/academy/club/player/parents and liaise with the Director of Sport and the Director of Co-Curriculum and Character.
Guidance for Parents, Guardians, and Guests
At Malvern College, we warmly welcome parents, guardians, and visitors to support our pupils in their sporting endeavours. We ask all those attending fixtures, events, and training sessions to uphold the spirit of sport and help foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment for all involved.
We kindly request that you:
1. Encourage all players to understand the rules and play within them in the spirit of fair competition.
2. Discourage negative behaviour, including unfair play or disputing officials’ decisions.
3. Model good sportsmanship by recognising and applauding fair play and strong performancesregardless of the team.
4. Support players positively, avoiding criticism or discouragement when mistakes are made or results don’t go their way.
5. Respect all decisions made by match officials and avoid public disagreement with their judgments.
6. Promote enjoyment in sport, supporting your child’s involvement with enthusiasm and encouragement.
7. Use respectful and appropriate language at all times when on school grounds or at fixtures.
8. Maintain clear communication with coaches regarding schedules, fixtures, and attendance.
9. Respect team selection decisions made by Malvern staff, recognising that these are based on broader educational and developmental considerations.
10. Refrain from entering the playing area during matches or training unless invited by match officials or the staff member in charge.
Parents and guardians play a vital role in promoting the Malvern Qualities—including resilience, humility, kindness, and integrity—by modelling respectful behaviour, encouraging teamwork, and reinforcing the educational value of sport beyond winning or losing.
If you have a concern or wish to raise a matter for discussion, we encourage you to do so through the Parents’ Forum, which meets regularly throughout the year. Each House has a parent representative who can act as a first point of contact for raising issues or feedback in a constructive and inclusive way.
Director of Sport: mark.hardinges@malverncollege.org.uk
Kit requirements
• Castore Kit should be worn during curriculum sport. This is ordered through Kitlocker.
• Shop the Castore Kit here
Match days and spectator information
• Match Teas: Provided for parents after the games.
• Parking: Available at Court Road or down at the sports hall
• Facilities: Coffee van at Court Road, toilets, paramedic and physio cover.
Injury rehabilitation provision
• Injury rehab is provided through James Scriven.
• Physio clinics run on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons, and Sundays
SOCS Information
Guidance on how to access all the information you will need relating to our sports fixtures, via our Malvern College SOCS platform https://www.malverncollegesport.org.uk
• The password to access team sheets is: MalColSp0rt
Map and Directions
• Malvern College - WR14 3DF
• Court Road - WR14 3ED
• See Map here