How important is sport in choosing a school?

[Marchhare87]

We are in the process of choosing a senior independent school for my football-loving DS. The school (A) we really like is a rugby-playing school. Everything about it we love, except for the fact that the main sport for boys is rugby rather than football. Our second choice, which we like, but don't love like the first one, is a football school (B). If we took sport out of the equation, we would definitely go for school A.

From your experience, I was wondering how important was sport in making a decision on a secondary school? Is it only a small factor to consider? Or does it significantly enhance a child's experience to be at school where their main sport is played?

We have no aspirations for him to go into football as a career, we're looking it more in terms of enjoyment and being that 'carrot', which helps them be happy and work academically at school.

Thank you in advance!

Is there any particular reason he could not continue football via the club structure? Much more chance of being talent spotted that way.

If it’s a day school and DS can continue playing outside school then it’s less of an issue. If it’s a boarding school then I would give it more consideration. If it’s not a main sport but they do have a team, how would he feel about not being on it? Or do they play more recreational football as an extra curricular?

I have a DD but whilst they have their main sports as hockey, netball and tennis (and these are what are played in games lessons), they have a whole heap of sports extra curricular clubs including football and cricket. So the sport is there and they are able to just join in. Would that keep him happy?

To add that my DD went to school hating netball. She now does it twice a week plus in games and really enjoys it. They can change their likes and dislikes.

It depends on whether they have a strong second sport. DS plays hockey instead of rugby. School doesn't play football fixtures but some of his friends play to a decent level outside school.

I think it matters how good he is at football and whether he truly loves it.

At independent schools, the rugby teams are Demi Gods. They even were at my old co-ed grammar school! It can be very intense. They also think it’s a superior sport to football. I often hear Tanni Grey Thompson applaud rugby and ridicule football and plenty of others do this too. It can certainly be present in schools. Football loving in this sort of environment would not be fun and could be a very negative experience. They will comment on everything negative in football without acknowledging the great skill and athleticism needed. Is he prepared for this?

And what about having to play rugby? He won’t escape it. It’s not a game for everyone but I’m assuming he will be forced to play. What does he feel about that. Yes, he might play outside of school but what about his enjoyment in school?

I think it depends on whether there are any options to play football. My DSs school is a rugby school - it is the sport played in games lessons for most of the school throughout the Autumn term. They play hockey in the winter term and cricket in the summer. However, they have extra curricular football and play regular fixtures. Higher up the school, football is one of the options that can be picked for games (I think 4th form upwards).

So true.
Although my cricket and rugby playing ten year old attends a state primary, he considers football 'vile' even though he is not bad at football. Somehow he has picked up from his coach and some of his friends how 'terrible' football is!!

I do feel rugby can be up its own backside! If the school expects all boys to learn rugby in sports lessons, there is no escape.

As a sports coach myself I would say stick with clubs - much better tuition, more access to schemes, better range of players to come up against.
So that would allow you to follow your heart and go with A for everything else you love.

Thanks everyone.

The rugby school isn't a traditional Alpha rugby school, it's quite progressive with a strong focus on drama and dance (all kids study it for a year), and I don't think there's any anti-football sentiment (they can play it as an activity among themselves, but not against other schools). He thinks rugby is ok and if he ends up hating it he doesn't have to play it. It also has a big focus on cricket, which he's county level at, but football is his first love.

I am leaning towards the rugby school, but there's just that niggle that being at a school where he's in the A-team, learning from fantastic coaches and playing a sport he truly loves, could be great for his confidence.

He would be able to play football out of school and the rugby school will support him in this, but I am concerned that in reality, a long school day plus club football will be too tiring.

Lots to think about!!

@GlacindaTheTroll

Is there any particular reason he could not continue football via the club structure? Much more chance of being talent spotted that way.

The OP said no aspirations for a professional career so "talent spotting" is irrelevant. The club structure is also aimed at the better/serious player. The OP's son probably just wants to play for fun. My son was exactly the same - he knew he wasn't good enough to make the school "team" but just wanted to play a bit of footie in the games lessons for fun.

Won’t the matches clash? A team for rugby and attending a football club for training and matches? Sounds difficult to juggle.

I think you have probably answered your own question. You said if you took sport out of the equation, you would definitely go for school A. Your DS can continue with his football outside of school, so no reason not to go for A. If your DS doesn't want to play rugby seriously, he won't be in the school team and there won't be any clashes. If he really likes his football, he will find a way to make it work for him, along with homework etc.

Speaking from the perspective of a male whose secondary (state) school life revolved around sport (athletics and cross-country), but who still did well academically, I think it would be rather harsh to send your "football-loving" son to a school that doesn't even have a school football team. Yes, he can play competitive football in the evenings and weekends, which may be enough for him, but likely won't be. Competing with your school friends in a team at a sport that you love is a great and rewarding experience. It also "mixes-up" your friendship groups so you get to spend time with people you normally might not get friendly with.

If the education at school B is comparable to school A, then I would go for B.

What does your son think?