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19th July 2024

Developing elite athletes through Ark Sport Scholars

Ark Sport was created to ensure that every Ark school has a vibrant sports culture that boosts wellbeing and nurtures talent. This year, we launched the Ark Sport Scholars programme, which aims to develop elite athletes from across our network of schools.
Football scholars training at Ark Academy

The programme identifies promising students and provides professional coaching, as well as opportunities to participate in elite-level competitions.
The inaugural group of scholars – comprising 70 footballers and 15 athletes – was selected through performance-based assessments at the Ark Championships earlier this year.

Supported by Football Pathway Limited, the football teams have met monthly for intensive coaching sessions focusing on agility, footwork, and fitness skills. Notably, girls and boys have trained alongside each other, learning key skills that are required on the pitch, as well as the importance of nutrition and rest.

Similarly, in partnership with 110% Beyond Your Limits, the athletics scholars have received tailored training sessions from world-class coaches, emphasising form, standards, and competition goals.

The scholars have also had the opportunity to participate in a two-night residential and team-building activities. For many of the students, it was the first time they had left home overnight.

In the coming academic year, the scholars programme has ambitious plans for growth. The football programme will accommodate more age groups, and the athletics programme will incorporate new disciplines like the high jump and throws. In an exciting move, basketball will also be introduced, with selection trials planned for ten boys’ and girls’ teams.

Tom Morrish, Network Lead for PE, Sport & Play, said: “The expansion of the scholars’ programmes and the introduction of basketball reflects our commitment to providing unique opportunities for talented young athletes, fostering a culture of excellence, and further enriching the sporting landscape across the network. The programme has already seen tremendous success and is poised to continue making a significant impact.”

Tony Jarrett, a former Olympic hurdler and Commonwealth Games gold-medal winner, now turned coach, said: “I coach a lot of people, but I love working with the kids from Ark. At the beginning, they had the raw talent but not the form you need to compete. In just three sessions, there was such an improvement. They are so focused and determined. It’s great to see how they have grown in their confidence and technique and even more inspiring to see them compete at the Championships – putting all they have learnt onto the track for the other students to see and aspire to. It is wonderful to be part of what Ark Sport is doing.”

Professional coach Luis Shamshoum, a goalkeeper for the Palestinian International U23 squad and currently at Great Wakering Rovers, said: “My favourite thing is the enthusiasm they all have to become better goalkeepers. They’ve come on leaps and bounds.”

Mikayala and Hanan, Year 7 students at Ark Elvin, said: “This programme is really professional, and you can develop. They send you work (strength and conditioning plans) you can do at home to improve. When you play against challenging people, you can learn from them and what they do, and you can progress.”

If you would like to learn more about how you can support our schools, please contact our Development Team at fundraising@arkonline.org.

You can also donate now to meet an immediate need in one of our schools or through one of our programmes.

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