The Other Half

Cross-Country Cross-country running is open to all. Training assumes a motivation for good health and commitment to the values and competition schedule of the club. Competition takes place in both Michaelmas and Lent terms in many prestigious and long standing events. We start our training in September with very short distances and build gradually and carefully to longer distances of 20k. The season ends in March. Training is a mixture of long slow distances, threshold and speed workouts as well as the introduction of strength and conditioning sessions to help avoid injury. Runs take in most of rural Oxfordshire and beyond. Past pupils have captained their own club at university and some have competed on the international stage. One of the aims of the club is to build a life-long affinity for running and competition. Fencing Fencing is available throughout the year. All year groups are welcome to come and try this Olympic sport, from beginners to experienced fencers. Full coaching will be given and the School provides fencing kit and weapons for students. A minimum commitment of one session per week for one full term is required, although in practice many boys enjoy doing much more fencing than this. Matches are arranged with other schools throughout the calendar year, and keen fencers from our club have competed in and won many national and international competitions in the recent past. There has never a better time to try this popular Olympic sport. En garde! Football The club is now well established at Abingdon, with over 19 teams representing the School. The club plays regular fixtures during the Lent term against St John’s Leatherhead , Berkhamsted, St Edward’s, Bedford Modern, Oratory and Radley in addition to other local schools. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd XI, U15A and U14A all compete in the Thames Valley League that comprises schools in the Oxfordshire and Berkshire area. Players have also gone on to represent the ISFA side, as well as county and academy squads. Futsal Club A recent addition to the Abingdon School Football Club is the Futsal Club. This form of the game, originating in South America, aids the developments of the player’s close control, dribbling and game awareness, utilising a smaller weighted ball whilst playing in 5-a-side environment. Golf The golf team meets for coaching from a PGA professional at Drayton Golf Club. The team consists of players with, or aspiring to have, single-figure handicaps. During these sessions we work on all aspects of the game including course management, shot shaping and the short game, and there is the opportunity to computer-analyse players’ swings. The golf team plays in competitions including the Oxfordshire County Championships and the Independent Schools’ Golf Association knock-out, as well as various friendly fixtures against other school sides. There is a House Golf competition in the Summer term. SPORT AND FITNESS 38