SPORT
|
|
Denstone College offers a large range of sports which include; Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Football, Cricket, Athletics, Swimming, Ju-Jitsu, Golf, Climbing, Tennis and more.
We cater for those who are following or want to follow elite player pathways with strong links with Leicester Tigers and other professional bodies.
We have a large collection of former and current pupils who have played internationally, with the inclusion of Denstone College being an Official Lions Origin School (British and Irish Lions).
Our focal sports are Rugby, Netball, Hockey and Cricket, a little bit more of these can be read below.
Rugby
Rugby at Denstone continues to go from strength to strength. The Rugby Club is open to all boys in all years at the College and runs 12 teams on a Saturday, whilst playing some of the leading Rugby schools in the Country.
The two key aims are for boys to enjoy their rugby and be the best that they can be. To this end all teams have their own dedicated coach and in some instances two who work with the boys throughout the Michaelmas Term. The Denstone 1st XV enters the prestigious St.Joseph’s Ipswich Festival each year.
| READ MORE |
|---|
|
There are many players from Under 14 upwards involved in the Leicester Tigers Developing Player Pathway, with several Sixth Form boys earning 16-18 Academy contracts with the Tigers. 1st XV members represented England Under 18s on several occasions, with boys regularly obtaining senior academy contracts at Leicester Tigers. Away from the professional game, many Old Denstonians continue to play at a high level within the senior and university game. Rugby at Denstone continues into the Lent term, with the under 14 under 16 and U18 sevens teams all competing in some of the toughest tournaments in the country including the national Festival at Rosslyn Park at all of these age groups. |
Netball
Netball is flourishing at Denstone. It is the main sport for girls in the Lent Term, whilst also being offered as a games option in the Michaelmas Term. Opportunities are available to attend pre-season training days in order to fully prepare for the season.
We have the capacity to field seventeen netball teams across the age ranges, resulting in competitive Wednesday and Saturday fixture opportunities for all girls. Each team has their own designated coach available to work closely with them on a regular basis. The College boasts 6 newly surfaced courts enabling matches to take place in all weathers. The majority of fixtures take place in the Lent Term, although we also do secure a number of fixtures in the Michaelmas Term. The fixture list is competitive and inclusive with the majority of girls having the opportunity to represent the school. We compete in county and school tournaments wherever possible, with the aim to enter the National Schools competition in 2017. The annual inter-house competition is always a strong contest, whilst the weekly staff versus students’ fixtures highlights the element of fun in netball.
| READ MORE |
|---|
| In addition to the netball-specific training, the girls have the opportunity to access top level Strength and Conditioning sessions designed by England Netball to enhance their overall performance. We have strong links with both Staffordshire and Derbyshire County Netball and therefore encourage the girls to attend trials with the chance to further improve their skills by training with the satellite/academy squads. As a result, we have increasing numbers that represent external clubs and county teams. Tours prove popular when the teams travelling play a number of fixtures against local sides, showcasing their talent whilst enjoying the fantastic experience. |
Cricket
Cricket is the major sport in the Summer Term at Denstone as we field A and B teams at all age groups, for both boys and girls. The College has a magnificent 1st XI pitch and pavilion that is the envy of many; cricket at Denstone continues to be very popular. Cricket is offered to boys and girls in all years at the College, including an extensive fixture list against all leading cricketing schools in the area. The Denstone 1st XI cricket pitch is positioned in the centre of the school and right beside the Chapel, which has helped to maintain the popularity and success of the game at Denstone. We are proud to have been named in the Top 100 Cricket Schools as part of The Cricketer's Schools Guide 2024.
| READ MORE |
|---|
| The cricket programme aims to offer performance, alongside participation and enjoyment. To this end, all teams have their own dedicated coach who works with the boys and girls throughout the summer. All of the ‘A’ teams play against local county sides, often performing well. The U14 team regularly wins the Schools’ Cup and thereby at U15 level competes in the Lord's Taverners trophy. The College has reached the final of this most prestigious of national competitions and the semi-finals of the national schools' T20 competition. Several pupils have achieved County representation at their age group level and many boys go on to play at a high standard of cricket after school. Denstone has produced numerous first class cricketers; most recently Alex Thomson, Greg Cork and Harvey Hosein (all Derbyshire) and Aneesh Kapil (Surrey). |
Hockey
The College aims to deliver an exciting, dynamic and progressive hockey program for all of our pupils. Our facilities at the College provide the opportunity for all year round training for both boys’ and girls’ in all years. A dedicated team of coaches helps the pupils to play hockey to a level that matches their aspirations throughout their time of education.
Denstone has an impressive record of success in both girls’ and boys’ hockey. All teams have a competitive fixture list, as well as competing in England Hockey and Independent Schools National Competitions. This provides Denstone pupils with the opportunity to compete with the best schools in the country. Competition within teams is encouraged by all members of staff to ensure that each athlete continues to develop during his or her time at the College. Places in teams are fiercely contested, and we continue to drive forward, challenging an ever-increasing number of prestigious opponents.
| READ MORE |
|---|
|
The College has for many years provided players for county, regional and national squads. Currently, there are pupils who have reached varying levels of the England Hockey Player Pathway, with representation at County, Midlands, Futures Cup and England National Age Groups. Alongside this, many pupils represent their clubs, with a number of pupils playing National League hockey. Individual player development is of paramount importance to our hockey program with pupils encouraged to play all year round. The holistic development of each pupil as an individual and as part of a team is a key aspect of the hockey programme at Denstone. Athletes will receive individual support through the provision of specific strength and conditioning coaching directed towards their athletic development. |
