It’s been an exciting few weeks for Seaford’s young rugby, hockey and football teams as they competed in the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) National Finals.

 

 

First up was the U13 A rugby team, which traveled to Rugby School to compete in the IAPS competition. The squad was made up of 15 boys from across Year 8.

“The side met a number of strong prep schools but were commanding in the group stage, displaying a fast-flowing rugby game,” said Seaford’s coach and Head of Prep School Boys’ Sport, Dom Barnes. “The teams beat the likes of Hazlegrove, Edgeborough, Witham Hall, St Faith’s and Bilton Grange, to finish the group stage as winners.”

In the final, Seaford was narrowly beaten by a strong Caldicott team. “The boys should be very proud, representing themselves impeccably and reaching the IAPS National Finals. A further bonus came when Nicolas Reed was named as one of the players of the tournament,” added Dom.

 

 

It was then the turn of the Girls U12 A hockey team as they traveled to Repton College in Derbyshire to compete in the IAPS U12 National Finals. There were 23 schools competing in the competition and Seaford won four out of the five group stage games, scoring six goals.

 

 

Seaford coach and Head of Prep School Girls’ Sport, Emma Stace said: “This left us top of the league table and a quarter-final game against Hazelgrove. We dominated the game, winning 3-0. In the semi-finals we faced the hosts, and in a very well fought out game we ended up losing 2-0. This left Seaford in the 3rd/4th play-off game against Millfield. Seaford came out determined, scoring an early goal and continued to work with energy and enthusiasm winning the game and taking 3rd place. Thank you to Repton. The day ran like clockwork, brilliantly organised and they were excellent hosts.”

 

The Prep School U11 football team, were also competing in the IAPS football National Finals at Millfield School.

“Despite the cold weather the day proved a fantastic opportunity and experience for the boys,” said Seaford’s Head of Boys’ Sport, Dom Barnes. “Not only to play against a number of different schools, but also represent the school and play well at such a high level against some tough opposition.”

The Seaford team made it through to the plate, reaching the last 16 in the country, and ending with a fantastic final game against Bishopsgate in which they narrowly lost 1-0. “The boys enjoyed the day representing the school and although not finishing how they may have wished, have made lifelong memories and gained a greater enthusiasm to work hard and compete at the highest level,” said Dom.

Finally, Seaford’s U11 A rugby team competed in the IAPS tournament at Stroud School earlier this month. “The team took to the field with a can-do attitude and although some of the teams they faced were tough, they progressed throughout the day,” said coach Patrick Disley-May. “All the boys were continuously learning and adapting against different teams and this was evident in the final game which they won 5 tries to 0.”

“I would like to say a big well done to the boys and to Seaford football coach, Max Powell for all their efforts and the way in which they represented the college,” he added.