This Sporting LIfe

Director of Sports, Aaron Liffchak, reports on how the sporting opportunities at Mill Hill School provide the perfect preparation for life

Sports is, and always has been, a central part of what it means to be a Millhillian. Take the memorable Five- and Ten-Mile Cup where pupils run their fastest mile to Sports Day with each having an opportunity to represent their house, and which culminates in the whole school athletics festival. At Mill Hill, we aim to equip our pupils for a healthy life, both now, and in the future. The range of opportunities offered across the curriculum, whether academic, creative or sporting, allows them to build character, perseverance, humility and resilience –all qualities that will serve them well in the classroom, in sport, and in later life.

Sport at Mill Hill is both transformative and inspirational, and we are renowned for sporting excellence. Pupils of all abilities have the opportunity to achieve something meaningful in sport during their time at school. We achieve this through our dual stream approach; Fit for Performance and Fit for Life. Every pupil, regardless of physical ability or experience, is encouraged to participate in both competitive and non-competitive sport and activities. We give each one the chance to represent their school and to experience the exhilaration of a hard-fought victory and the heartbreak of a narrow loss.

“I’m getting to do what I love. For a lot of people my age, their dreams don’t become a reality. To get an opportunity to work with the calibre of staff within the programme from professional sporting backgrounds is amazing. I have to pinch myself every morning.”

Cricket Coach, Tottenham Hotspur Premiership Academy Coaches, a Great Britain Hockey Coach, an International Hockey Player, a Great Britain Athlete and a PGA Advanced Golf Pro.

Club Partnerships

Our professional club partnerships include Saracens Rugby, Middlesex Cricket, Hampstead & Westminster Hockey Club and Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Each partnership helps us to strengthen our coaching pedigree, granting opportunities for professional development, as well as allowing world-class players and coaches to join us for squad training and Games afternoons, working with pupils across all teams and abilities.

Scholarship Programme

For our most able pupils we run an innovative Sports Scholarship programme, designed for top performers who have genuine desire, work ethic and belief that they can maximise their potential and attain sporting excellence. The programme is one of our sports department’s proudest developments in recent years, and unique in its field. Sports Scholars have access to our Performance Department, which includes a full time Great Britain Olympic Physiotherapist, Performance Nutritionist, Mental Skills Coach and two professional Strength & Conditioning Coaches. Our Senior Sports Scholars also have their own individual mentors who they work with on a one-to-one basis, designing individual programmes and workshops.

Mathew, Sixth Form Sports Scholar Sports Facilities at Mill Hill

Space and Facilities

Our sports facilities are extensive and impressive. In addition to 120 acres of grounds, our ambitious new sports complex means we can provide unparalleled opportunities for Millhillians to learn and train using cutting-edge technology and world-class equipment. The complex incorporates a Sports Hall, a Strength Training Gym, a High Intensity Workout Space, and a flexible studio space. This includes spin bikes and a new HD projector screen and sound system playing digital classes which will include the latest Les Mills content. The equipment and space available assists in the promotion of lifelong physical activity among the pupils through a diverse range of health-related fitness lessons taught during our PE lessons.

Specialist Coaches

Through our continued commitment to delivering an outstanding coaching provision and our drive for pupil progression, innovation and collaboration, we have developed a unique portfolio of partnerships with professional clubs and coaches across many of our sports. Our impressive list of fulltime coaches includes an England & Mavericks Netball Player, two Saracens Premiership Rugby Players, a Middlesex County

• 120 acres of grounds

• Newly-laid Indoor Sports Hall with Retractable Basketball System

• Indoor Cricket Nets

• Strength Training Gym, High Intensity Training Area, Les Mills Virtual Spin Studio

• Newly-laid Floodlit Astroturf

• 25-metre Swimming Pool

• 3 Fives Courts

• 6 Outdoor Tennis Courts

• 2 Outdoor Basketball Courts

• 5 Netball Courts

• Indoor Golf Teaching Suite, Golf Simulator, Outdoor Golf Centre

• Numerous Cricket, Football and Rugby Pitches

Excellent Sports Staff team: Physiotherapist – Maria Goriup; Performance Nutritionist – Greg Lound; Mental Skills Coach – Gareth Hatherley-Gurford; Strength and Conditioning Coaches – Kyle Bowes-Taylor & Owen Nicholls