Charterhouse Pupils Get A Taste For Fives

Natalie Lilienthal reports:

25/09/26: Charterhouse School has been running taster sessions for Fives over the past couple of weeks which culminated in an open event for the junior girls and boys to come along and try their hand at Fives for the first time or build on their initial taster session skills.

A record eight keen coaches and supporters gathered at the courts to welcome the new Fives enthusiasts, including the EFA reps Alex and Natalie, two recently 'Activated' coaches Kristiana and Matt, and other regular supporters of Charterhouse Fives along with their own staff members, all co-ordinated by M-i-C Tom Constable.

The girls side looks to be growing at the school thanks to efforts of both pupils bringing along their friends and staff increasing the recruitment communications. This session saw six new girls adding their tally to the 14 who had been at previous sessions. They got stuck in with quick start rallies, double wall, top step and mini challenges before getting in to a game of Fives with simple serve/cut adaptations. Several new boys also came down to the courts, perhaps lured by the Fives prowess on show from the senior boys at their session including the recent U25s Plate A winner and the newly appointed student EFA Champion for Charterhouse. Across the year-groups there were over 30 players on the nine recently refurbished courts which are in good condition despite the odd pigeon's attempt at taking roost.

Everyone took to the spirit of the game and had a lot of fun for their first outing. We hope to see more of them during the season with plenty of inter-school fixtures already in the diary.

With thanks to Tom Constable, and Charterhouse School for hosting this event and their ongoing efforts to grow Fives at the school; as well as Tom Leach, James Branchflower and the other coaches for their continued support.