2024 – 2025 Highlights: Sports

Sport

We’ve had a fantastic year of sport at Channing, marked by growth, opportunity and exciting developments across our programme. This year saw a significant expansion in both our curricular and extra-curricular sport offerings, with a wider range of fixtures available across all year groups. From competitive matches to engaging workshops, students were given more opportunities than ever to participate and thrive.

A particular highlight was hosting our first-ever Junior and Senior School Cheerleading, Dance and Gymnastics Showcase, which celebrated the diverse talents and dedication of our students in a truly memorable way.

Year 7 Football and Netball Preseason

To kick off the day, students took part in a fantastic two-hour netball masterclass led by two phenomenal London Mavericks Super League players, Vicki Oyesola and Kira Rothwell. Vicki ran a dynamic defensive session focused on interceptions and ball tracking, while Kira led an energetic attacking session centred on movement and powerful passing. The session concluded with match play, giving students a chance to apply their new skills.

It was especially inspiring to hear students’ thoughtful questions about the players’ journeys into elite netball—particularly Kira’s, which began in Year 7! In the afternoon, students showcased their football abilities in high-energy sessions led by Mr Garnett and Ms Adeboyo. With a focus on breaking lines through running with the ball and creating space off it, the girls rounded off the day with small-sided games. Their enthusiasm, effort and teamwork were outstanding throughout—well done to all involved!

Athletics at Channing

Cross Country

In February, Thomasina R represented Channing and Haringey in the Middlesex Cross Country Championships. She produced an excellent run, finishing with a time of 12 minutes 14 seconds and placing 37th out of 84 in the Year 8 and 9 combined race.

Haringey Athletics Competition

In May, our students competed in the Junior and Inter Haringey Athletics competitions, vying for a place in the Middlesex Championships. Both events were packed with impressive performances. A special mention goes to Inter Girls athlete Chileshe G, whose outstanding 200m sprint earned her a place on the Haringey team, and to Lily W for a powerful javelin throw.

From the Junior Girls category, congratulations to Erica W for her strong 75m hurdles run, Chloe R-S for her performance in the 200m, and Siena R for her speed in the 300m—each of whom also qualified to represent Haringey. We’re incredibly proud of all our athletes.

Channing Dance, Cheer and Gymnastics Showcase

In March, we proudly hosted our first-ever Junior and Senior School Cheerleading, Dance and Gymnastics Showcase. It was a truly special evening, celebrating student talent and dedication across a range of disciplines.

The event opened with a high-energy performance from our Key Stage 3 Eagles Cheerleading Squad, setting the tone for the night. Year 6 and 7 dancers impressed with a dynamic and expressive routine, while advanced gymnasts from Years 4 to 8 and the Key Stage 2 gymnastics squad delivered powerful performances that captivated the audience.

A standout moment came from Sereny S, who performed a stunning piece blending ballet from the RAD Advanced 1 syllabus with Latin dance elements. Our trampolinists showcased exceptional control and technique, and the evening featured elegant contemporary and classical ballet ensembles.

The showcase concluded with an electrifying routine from our Key Stage 2 Eagles Cheerleading Squad. We’re already excited for what next year’s showcase will bring!

Barcelona Football and Netball Tour

During October half term, we took 40 students from Years 8 to 11 on an unforgettable Football and Netball tour to Barcelona. The group included two U16 netball teams and two U13 football teams.

We stayed at the fantastic Cambrils Park Resort in Salou and made full use of the excellent facilities. Students learned to use gym equipment correctly and took part in strength and conditioning circuits. Netball players joined an inspiring masterclass led by international stars Sasha and Kadeen Corbin, and demonstrated excellent teamwork in matches against other touring schools.

Footballers trained at the world-class Futbol Salou Complex and worked with a coach from Winning Soccer Skills. They also had the exciting opportunity to play against local Barcelona schools—an incredible experience.

Off the pitch, students toured the city’s landmarks, including Gaudí’s masterpieces, the Arc de Triomf, the Olympic Stadium and the former FC Barcelona stadium. They also visited the Sagrada Família and explored local markets and shops. Despite some unexpected weather, the trip was a huge success.

Self Defence at Channing

This year, we launched a new self-defence club in partnership with The Karate Academy. Sessions have gotten off to a fantastic start, with students learning essential techniques to build confidence and stay safe. Their enthusiasm and positive engagement have been inspiring. Karate will be on offer again next year, and we’re excited to continue supporting students’ growth through this valuable opportunity.

Football at Channing

This was a breakthrough season for football at Channing. For the first time, we entered more teams into the ESFA and ISFA competitions and debuted in the Middlesex and Sisters n Sport Cups, alongside continued participation in the Haringey leagues and friendlies with South Hampstead and Francis Holland.

We also improved facilities. In partnership with St Aloysius College, we now have home pitches for 9- and 11-a-side matches, reducing travel time and allowing parents to spectate. New pitch markings and goals have been installed at the Junior School MUGA, and new kits are giving our players a stronger team identity. End-of-season awards now recognise both performance and participation.

Fixture Highlights:

• U12s reached the last 32 in the ESFA Cup and were runners-up in the Middlesex Cup and GSA 7-a-side tournament.
• U12 B team were runners-up in the South Hampstead tournament.
• U13s reached quarter-finals (ISFA Cup), semi-finals (Middlesex and Sisters n Sport), and won the ISFA Essex Region 7-a-side. They now head to the national finals at St George’s Park.
• U14s and U15s had extensive fixtures but exited in early rounds.
• First XI made their debut, facing ISFA finalists St Joseph’s College and showing great resilience.

Looking Ahead:

This season, 77 girls represented Channing in one or more fixtures. We’re aware of the need for more opportunities for non-A team players and have arranged additional friendlies for 2025/26. Long term, we aim to field full teams at U12–U18 level, with regular fixtures throughout the season.

Netball at Channing

Condover Hall Tournament – U13

Nine girls travelled to Condover Hall for a residential netball tournament, playing matches interspersed with outdoor adventures. Despite a mixed record, including a big win over Bedford Girls and a challenging game against Godolphin and Latymer, the team qualified for the second-tier cup. Sadly, poor weather cancelled the final day, but students enjoyed climbing, ziplines, laser tag and more. A fantastic and memorable weekend!

Iris F

Haringey League

Our U12A and U13B teams competed in the Haringey League, gaining valuable experience and improving their tactical awareness and confidence. Both teams worked hard and made excellent progress across the season.

Sisters n Sport Netball

Our U13A team reached the quarter-finals of the Sisters n Sport Shield competition, showing determination and excellent teamwork. Matches were thrilling, whether they were dominant victories or close finishes. We are very proud of their achievement.

Middlesex County Schools

In October, our U15 and U16 teams competed in the County Schools Tournament, putting in strong performances against top local teams but just missing out on progression. In spring, our U12 and U13s competed in the Middlesex Schools Tournament. The U13s made it to the quarter-finals, while the U12s impressed in their debut competition, gaining valuable experience and insight.

Talented Athletes and Sport at Channing

This year, Channing students have shown incredible passion, skill and resilience across every area of school sport. We’ve also seen outstanding individual achievements from students representing elite programmes including:

• Tottenham Hotspur FC Youth Pathway
• London Pulse Hub
• London Mavericks Futures and U17 Academy
• Middlesex County Netball
• Middlesex Cricket

We are proud of every student who has trained, competed and grown through sport this year—whether on home soil or national platforms. As we look ahead to 2025/26, our aim remains clear: to grow participation, nurture excellence and continue making sport at Channing inclusive, exciting and empowering.

Ms Nelson,
Director of Sport