Sports Round-up

Rising stars

Our comprehensive sports programme encourages all girls to participate in a wide range of sporting opportunities and fitness activities. As well as striving to cater for all, we pride ourselves on the provision of the highest levels of coaching and the most up-to-date techniques and strategies to enhance performance and support individual aspiration.

Meet three of our rising stars.

ELEANOR THOMAS (U5)

I have been passionate about hockey since I was young. I initially played for Yeovil & Sherborne Hockey Club and Sherborne Prep ’ s 1st Team, playing in the U12 and U13 National Finals. In Y8, I played for the regional team, West Panthers, and was selected for the UK Lions U14 squad.

In L5, I switched to the Welsh System because my Dad is Welsh. In M5, I joined Bath Buccaneers Hockey Club’ s U16 squad and became Captain, reaching the Tier 1 Super League! I was also selected for the U16 Welsh National Age Group (NAG) squad, achieving caps against Ulster, Scotland and England, and in the Futures Cup last August. It was an amazing experience, with a great group of girls. This year I was selected for the Wales U18 squad which has been a big step up. The Endurance Squad sessions and the Strengthening and Conditioning classes at Sherborne Girls have really helped my training.

LIVS MESSERVY (M5)

t I have been playing netball as long as I can remember. I started playing in Jersey at primary school and for the Convent Club Youth Squad. Before I came to Sherborne Girls, I was selected in trials for island teams but was immediately injured, shattering my ankle and my confidence. After a year off sport, I came to Sherborne Girls hoping for a sport scholarship. As soon as I found out I had one, my confidence started to build again.

My coach, Sophie Gould, put me forward for trials for the Somerset County Squad which led to further opportunities, such as the Bath Super League trials and South West InterCounty tournaments. I am confident about next term ’ s regional trials because of my training at school. I am so grateful for the support I have received in achieving my netball aspirations. A

ALICE EVANS (M5)

I started lacrosse in L4 at Sherborne Girls and fell in love with the sport. Ever since I started in Aldhelmsted West, the coaches have been so supportive. In L5, I began to learn how to play at my best. This is when I was encouraged to trial for the England Regional Academy – and I got in! After that I trained with both the Academy and the School.

This year I was put forward, along with other girls, to play in the South West Super Counties Tournament. I represented South West A in the national finals held at Marlborough College - and we won! It was a tough day but I loved it.

I really want to play for Wales, so I am going to Monmouth for the trial. I know that the School will give me all the help I need.

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MEET SHERBORNE GOLF CLUB’S FIRST FEMALE JUNIOR CAPTAIN

Congratulations to Elizabeth Ashford (L6) for becoming the first ever female Junior Captain at Sherborne Golf Club. As well as leading Junior Teams in competitions and recruiting more young golfers, she hopes to inspire more girls to join the sport.

Golf has been a passion for the past 11 years. I wanted the School to introduce golf so that girls can have a go at a sport that they wouldn ’t otherwise encounter. At the beginning of this academic year, I approached Jayne Dart, Director of Sport, Adventure and Leadership with the idea of introducing golf as a senior games sport.

By the Lent Term we had over 10 girls from U5-U6 taking part in lessons at Sherborne Golf Club with professional golfer Nathalie Goodall during the senior games slot, and attending practice sessions on Saturdays. I have organised a staff vs student match for the end of term to celebrate the first year of golf at the School. Next year, I’d like there to be up to two lessons a week and to introduce larger scale matches, and a fixture against Sherborne School.

I am very grateful to Mrs Mackintosh, Mr Rowland, Mr Clarke and Mrs Dart for their help in bringing this idea to life. Golf at Sherborne Girls has come a long way in the past three terms and I look forward to watching it grow in September.

NORTH DORSET INDOOR CRICKET CHAMPIONS

Cricket at Sherborne Girls is going from strength to strength. Eight girls attended indoor nets sessions during the Michaelmas and Lent terms at Sherborne School. Their enthusiasm and drive for improvement enabled us to start the season as we mean to go on. This term we kicked off with the Dorset U15 indoor tournament where we qualified as North Dorset Champions. This year we have invested in two batting cages, allowing the girls to focus on their technical shots. Improvements in training have been matched by performance on the pitch and the girls are delighted to be finishing matches on a high. With some excellent wins under their belt and still half a season yet to play, Sherborne Girls are making their mark in this exciting addition to the summer fixture list.

James Bell, Head of Cricket

COMPETITIVE TENNIS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

Over 270 girls are involved in our yearround tennis programme and a large number regularly represent the School, achieving consistently high success rates in fixtures both home and away. Over 80 players attended pre-season selection this term, enabling us to field A, B, C and D teams at all age groups in competitive tennis this summer.

Our team of professional coaches, extensive facilities and close links with Sherborne Tennis Club enable both recreational and performance players to develop their tennis to the best of their ability. To add to the breadth of opportunities on offer, we are delighted to launch a new residential summer camp programme in July and August 2022. This programme will allow players aged 10-17 from within the School and beyond to benefit from the expertise of our coaching team and take advantage of our top-class facilities.

SUMME TENNIS R CAMP

24 – 28 July 2022 14 – 18 August 2022

Book a four-day summer camp this July and August to receive over 22 hours of professional coaching at Sherborne Girls. We are offering either a residential or non-residential day package. Children staying the night will be accommodated in one of Sherborne Girls ’ boarding houses and will enjoy a full programme of activities (including swimming, indoor football, hockey, and karaoke disco) in addition to tennis coaching. All meals will be provided.