Many schools struggle to win the commitment of their pupils to play in teams every weekend. And co-operation from parents to make social arrangements which do not clash. As well as to ensure that children want to play in long distance away games. "Some Fridays are a nightmare, scratching teams together. Sometimes we are almost begging kids to play," says one Director of Sport at a prominent day school.

Then the waters are muddied by the issue of compulsory rugby. Can and should pupils be compelled to play in matches that are potentially dangerous, or for which...

Today is Friday. School teams all over the country will be preparing for tomorrow’s matches. At a conservative estimate, somewhere between 6,000 and 10,000 teams from independent schools will compete each week of the autumn term. It’s a serious business.

Often weekly practices and team meetings will make mention of this week’s opponents. Their strengths, weaknesses and level of ability. How many coaches express the hope to their players that tomorrow’s opposition will be really good? Or do they look forward to the games against teams of proven incompetence? Do they want a challenging contest that will provide a...

Inspiring a Love of Running

Lots of people love running. Every evening and weekend the streets, paths and parks are full of adults of all ages running all distances and at all speeds. Race for Life and Park Run are wonderful examples of the sheer delight in meeting the challenge of running. The joy of movement. Marathon running has been a growth activity for twenty consecutive years.

Primary schools are another celebration of running. Kids love to be active: to run all distances and at all speeds.

But, between these two age extremes,...