16 Abingdon Prep • January 2025 SPORT ST GEORGE’S PARK FOOTBALL TOUR On a gloriously wet but wonderful weekend at the end of November, a squad of twelve Year 8s went to the St. George’s Park football centre in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, acknowledged to be the home of English football development, and a facility used by all the England professionals as they prepare for their matches and tournaments. The pupils were all very excited by the prospect of visiting such an amazing complex and retracing the footsteps of their footballing heroes. Arriving there at lunchtime on the Saturday, the team were immediately in action in the group stages of the tournament. They played great football on the most amazing of all-weather pitches in the “Dome” and qualified for the Championship tournament on the Sunday. On the Saturday evening after supper, they had a Futsal tournament, played in the Games room, and finished the evening in the Hydrotherapy pool. They played brilliantly in the Quarter Final on Sunday morning, but suffered the heartache of losing to ASC Cobham with the last kick of the game. The standard was extremely high, and they finished off with a Golden Goal win in their last game and should be very proud of their achievement. A great time was had by all, and we even managed to safely return to APS in the middle of a storm! We have already booked for next year. RUGBY As the rugby term ends, it’s time to reflect on a season full of growth and development for our young players. This year, pupils not only showcased tremendous growth in their skills but also within the spirit of rugby; working hard for one another and showing grit and determination. Whether mastering the perfect tackle, improving passing accuracy, or developing game awareness, we saw players rise to the challenge from Year 3 to Year 8. In Year 3 we have watched players go from beginners to confident competitors, and witnessed pupils represent APS for the first time, which is always a highlight of any season. This season, teams have faced a range of tough opponents and difficult situations. Whether it was a hard-fought match or a challenging opponent, each player rose to the challenge, improving their resilience and showcasing their determination. Beyond the matches, there have been a number of memorable moments. From time spent with friends, coach journeys and traffic jams on the A34! To after match tea and the camaraderie built through wins and tough losses. This season will be remembered not only for the rugby but also the moments in between. Pupils have grown as individuals and as a team, and it is clear that the growth, effort, and memories made will set the foundation for future success. Well done, everyone! SQUASH Congratulations to Toby, who has worked tremendously hard this term and had a string of excellent results at recent tournaments. He is now ranked 9th in the country. FENCING Congratulations to Horace, who won a Bronze medal at the “British National U14 Fencing Championship 2024” in Nottingham, after 6 hours of bouts. INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS!
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