We Are The Champions
Alex Knight reports:
10/12/25: The Graham Turnbull Trophy is my favourite competition, and this year’s edition was a cracker – if you haven’t yet read Gareth’s excellent report of the day then I encourage you to do so.
What makes the Turnbull so special is that it bridges the gap between school and adult Fives, showcasing the sport’s amazing capacity to bring together players of all ages and abilities for a genuinely great day’s play.
It was the perfect occasion, therefore, to announce the launch of a new pilot programme – EFA Champions – designed to identify and support the next generation of Eton Fives leaders.
Contrary to popular belief, the pull-through of school leavers into the adult game is above average – proportionally better than for mainstream sports, in fact – but Fives’ relative size means that every player counts. Modern communication hasn’t made things any easier, particularly since the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) became law in 2018. Schools can no longer pass on player details to alumni clubs without explicit consent, meaning that staying in contact has become more complicated than it once was.
That’s where EFA Champions come in. The scheme is aimed at pupils in the Lower Sixth (Year 12) and asks Masters in Charge to nominate the boy and girl who demonstrate the strongest commitment to Fives to serve as their year’s EFA Champions. These Champions will act as ambassadors – connecting with their peers, engaging with the wider Fives community, and encouraging participation in events such as the Turnbull and World Fives Day.
Over and above the kudos the position brings to university applications, EFA Champions will receive free Junior EFA membership, professional networking opportunities, and priority access to future programmes including gap year placements and coach training.
Through this initiative the EFA hopes to sustain, strengthen, and deepen commitment to the game, both within schools and during the critical transition period beyond them. If you would like your school to participate in the EFA Champions programme then please contact me at