Berkhamsted Students Hit The Ground Running

Natalie Lilienthal reports:

07/09/26: Wednesday 2nd September saw some exciting activity on the Berkhamsted School Fives courts.

Despite school not starting for another week, it was pre-season and so back-to-sport for those keen on playing Fives.

Fives Coach Andy Stephenson paved the way for new intake year groups to try their hand(s) at Fives in the safe company of some of the school's returning players. EFA Development Manager Natalie Lilienthal was on hand to provide support and coaching for the beginners and encouragement to the girls that this is a sport for everyone!

The day started with an open girls group producing three courts of activity ranging from the Fives captain in Year 11 to a keen group of new Year 7s, some of whom had experienced Fives in the prep school. It was great to see the enthusiasm for Fives graduating up from the prep school.

The afternoon brought the biggest numbers as new Year 7s flooded to the courts keen to get their hands in gloves, 30 boys and girls learning the basics of hitting the ball above the ledge, completing challenges and ultimately winning sugary rewards for their efforts. The Year 8 and Year 9s didn't disappoint in their sessions either, both with female players represented. The existing Fives players had brought along their friends to have a go, so new players were introduced to the game at all ages.

It was very encouraging to see the growth in the programme at Berkhamsted, which is testament to the dedicated coaching from both Chris Davey in the prep school and Andy in the senior school, ably supported by other keen Fives players and coaches. Andy is instilling student-led coaching ideas at the school so it was encouraging to see older players coming along to volunteer their time to support this event as well.

My thanks to Andy and Berkhamsted School for hosting such an important event before the start of term.

Here's to a great season!