Latest news with #OldfieldSchool
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Bath teacher's push for more state school pupils to play cricket
A head teacher has set up a cricket tournament to try and make the sport more accessible to pupils in state week, a study from York St John University found children at private schools had significantly better opportunities to play cricket than state school headteacher of Oldfield School in Bath, Andy Greenhough, said the sport should be a "viable option" for all children to play, no matter their tournament took place at Lansdown Cricket Club and involved all of Bath's secondary schools playing in mixed teams of independent and state school pupils. Mr Greenhough said: "If you look now at the England cricket team, the majority, and in years gone past, went to independent schools"What I'd like to see is a bigger pool of cricketers competing from state and independent schools competing to have an even healthier team." In 2023 an Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket report found 58% of men playing for England in 2021 were privately educated, compared to 7% of the population who attend independent part of his plan, Mr Greenhough started a partnership with the independent Kingswood culminated with a tournament on Thursday, which aimed to give all pupils the same to pupils highlighted some of the reasons for the difference in access. Seb said Oldfield School did not have a cricket pitch, but him and his schoolmates were "really lucky" to be able to train at Lansdown Cricket Charlie, a pupil at Kingswood School, said: "We're very lucky we have quite a few cricket pitches, where we can train and play matches on a weekly basis and we're very grateful and lucky to have them."That's why it's really good that we get to play together and that we get some matches in when maybe Seb wouldn't normally get that."The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said it plans to improve access to cricket at state schools as part of its Inspiring Generations plan.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bath Rugby's oldest living player receives special cap
Bath Rugby's oldest living player has been awarded a special cap for his contributions to the club. Stanley Francis, who recently turned 100, was presented with the 1865 Club legacy cap at Larkhall Springs Nursing Home as part of his birthday celebrations, marking his debut in 1951. The cap, embroidered with his unique Bath Rugby legacy number #1816, was presented by Club President John Hall and current Bath Rugby and England player, Tom Dunn. Read more: Trowbridge's Old Knees building for sale sparks debate The heart-warming ceremony saw Stanley surrounded by family and friends, sharing his joy in receiving the recognition. Stanley expressed his gratitude: "It was a fabulous honour to receive my legacy cap from the club—something I couldn't have dreamt of, and I thank Bath Rugby. "I am very proud, and to be here with my family makes it very special. "I loved playing rugby, especially the camaraderie amongst my teammates, which is what I enjoyed most." Stanley, a former pupil at Oldfield School in Bath, made a handful of appearances for the club and was capped by England schoolboys in 1939. He now joins his late elder brother, Jack, who made his debut in 1949, in receiving a legacy cap. John Hall, club president and former player, said: "We are incredibly proud to honour Stan with this special legacy cap, celebrating not only him and his family's remarkable contributions to the club, but also Bath Rugby's deep and illustrious history. "It's a privilege to recognise players past and present who have shaped our journey, and we look forward to welcoming many past players as special guests at our fixture against Newcastle Falcons. "This celebration of our heritage is a testament to the enduring spirit and camaraderie that defines who we are as a club and the role we have in the community." The presentation took place ahead of Bath Rugby's upcoming Gallagher Premiership Rugby fixture against Newcastle Falcons on Saturday, April 26, which will see past players honoured as distinguished guests for the fixture. Read more: Bath named best location for a night out in UK | Wiltshire Times Bath Rugby, formed in 1865, is a professional rugby union club playing its home matches at The Recreation Ground, known as 'The Rec'. The Bath Rugby Academy nurtures homegrown talent, and the club is dedicated to forming a professional women's team to compete in the highest tier of domestic rugby in the coming years. Stanley's cap presentation is a celebration of the club's rich history and the notable contributions of its players, both past and present, in shaping its journey and spirit.
