Sport

From coming in as a Shell to when they leave at the end of the Upper Sixth we believe sport should play an important role in the development of all pupils physical and mental wellbeing at Canford.

In the Shell year the starting point in the sports programme is building new relationships with the other pupils whilst having the opportunity to explore Canford's Focus Team Sports across the three terms. A multi sports philosophy across the three terms is championed so that pupils experience different games. There is also a structured programme of Athletic Development delivered in both the Shell Carousel and games sessions to help develop the pupil's movement patterns as well as we look to prevent and protect against potential injury. All Shells will also get the opportunity to experience Rowing and a chance to try Real Tennis.

As the pupils move through the Fourth and Fifth Form, along with the continuation of the focus team sports, more options are available for pupils to choose including Swimming, Badminton, Basketball, Golf, Squash, Lacrosse etc.

The Sixth Form sees a further expansion of options including Football and Exercise to Music classes. For those who would like the opportunity to specialise extra 'performance groups' are also available in our Focus Team Sports.   

There is plenty of sporting choices on offer within the school's 250 acres of grounds. The facilities include squash courts, two Astroturf pitches and an historic Real Tennis court - Canford is one of only two schools in the country to possess an original one. Well maintained Rugby and Football pitches are on site along with numerous Netball and Tennis Courts. The Sports Centre boasts a double court sports hall, 25 station fitness suite, dance/spinning studio, 25m 6 lane indoor heated swimming pool and a further strength and conditioning room with bespoke lifting platforms and racks. Few schools can boast their own outstanding golf course in the grounds and the proximity of the River Stour is exploited by our rowers from our on-site Boat House.

At Canford we strongly believe that sport, and team sports in particular help develop the life skills that are hugely important in our pupil's future careers and lives.

We focus on four team sports (outlined below) in particular, a path which has led to success for teams and the individuals within them both at participation and high performance levels. Top level coaching expertise is available to pupils in these sports alongside a competitive fixture programme (including National tournaments) to challenge those who play for fun and those who wish to excel. There is also the opportunity to experience the joy and camaraderie that touring with your teammates can bring. 

These sports are fundamental in giving variety and breadth to the Canford Sports programme. All of them look to encourage and grow participation levels but also have programmes that allow the pupils who wish to further develop their skills and perform them at a high level. The opportunities to take part in these sports are offered to pupils as part of the sports options programme at various points on their Canford sporting journey.

Our final group of sports give further opportunities for pupils to drive their physical and mental wellbeing, develop skills for life post Canford and also in some cases represent the school in competitive fixtures.

These sports include: Basketball, Badminton, Exercise to Music, Dance, Swimming, Cross Country and Kayaking.