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After-school sport is thriving at Harris Girls’ Academy East Dulwich, with participation tripling last term thanks to a wider range of clubs and greater promotion within the school.

The Monday to Friday after-school clubs, which include rugby, netball, football, basketball, athletics and fitness, attracted over 1,000 attendees last term. “I’m really proud that we’re getting so many students,” says Colette Kelly, Head of PE, who puts the success down to the range of clubs and good promotion within the school.

Sports leaders

“We’ve got 25 student sports leaders who encourage girls to come along to the clubs and excellent coaches who really love their sport. The sessions are run consistently too, so students know the club is going to take place every single week. Fixtures against other schools help to keep students engaged and give them something to build towards too.”

The academy has developed strong links with local sports clubs too, so students know there’s a chance to play at a higher level as they develop. Many of our students are representing teams such as Herne Hill Harriers Athletics, Old Alleynians Rugby Club and Crystal Palace FC Ladies team.

“Exceptional students”

“We’ve got some exceptional students here,” says PE teacher and athletics coach, Piotr Spa, who also coaches athletics at Crystal Palace. “Our Year 7 relay team is the seventh best in the UK and were invited to perform in a pre-race at the Anniversary Games at the Olympic Stadium last year, representing Herne Hill Harriers. They ran in front of 20,000 people just before Jessica Ennis and all the other superstars they see on TV.”

There’s only a limited amount of time for PE within the curriculum so a strong after-school sports programme is vital if girls are to get involved in sport and fitness.

Rugby on the rise

Rugby, in particular, is proving increasingly popular – part of a groundswell of support for women’s rugby across the UK.

“When I first saw rugby I thought it was a game just for boys,” says Esther, our school rugby captain. “But then I started playing and I loved it because it’s really energetic and everyone has to work together. The whole team has to act with one accord and everybody is communicating, so it’s really vibrant.”

Thanks to our rugby scholarships, our most talented players can get help with the cost of equipment such as boots and gum shields. We’ve also got strong links with Old Alleynians Rugby Club, where Esther is now a regular for the under 18s. “Being part of a club like this really helps if you want to maybe have a career in sport,” she says.

Girls rugby is growing in popularity nationwide and our students are keen to be part of the movement. Caitlin used to prefer football but now enjoys rugby more. “Esther and I are rugby ambassadors at the school, spreading the message that girls can play rugby too and that people should at least try it by coming along to our after-school rugby club,” she says.

Chinazom only started playing the sport about a month ago but is enjoying it. “I like that it’s energetic and you need good co-ordination,” she says. “It’s fun.”