Sporting Pathway

At St Matthew Academy, we understand the talent of our young athletes and nurture this within our sporting programme.

From Year 7-9, successful pupils from trials will be invited to be a part of our sporting excellence programme.

At first instance, pupils will trial from Year 6 prior to entering the academy at Year 7. Retrials will occur at Year 7 and Year 8 in the summer as pupils' progress into their next academic year in which all pupils are invited to attend, as well as those within the current programme. For our KS3 pupils, the programme takes a holistic approach which creates the foundations for performance focusing on movement mechanics, speed, power, nutrition and performance lifestyle.

At Year 10-11, we offer pupils the opportunity to interview for our scholarship programme. The programme is designed towards top performers who have a genuine desire, work ethic and belief that they can maximise their potential within sport and attain sporting excellence. Scholars will receive weekly strength and conditioning sessions as well as programmes for them to complete in their own time. Scholars will also receive specialised sessions focusing on sports psychology, nutrition as well as planning to achieve their goals within their sports.

What are we looking for?

Complete dedication to our SMA Sports programme through attendance to sports clubs and availability for fixtures.
Demonstrating an outstanding and respectful attitude, work ethic and ambition within their time at SMA.
Act as positive role models by setting high standards within both lessons, training, clubs and fixtures by promoting sportsmanship, kit, organisation and communication.
Representing the academy and sport department with pride within a sporting nature.

What will pupils have in response?

Strength & Conditioning sessions: x1 at KS3 and x2 at KS4.
Biweekly sessions relating to: sports psychology, nutrition and recovery.
Specialised PE kit.
Guidance and advice in relation to their sport.
Personalised programmes and coaching based on their sport/requirements.

For more information regarding both our sporting excellence programme and scholarship programme, please contact:

Director of Sport: Miss West: iwe@stmatthewacademy.co.uk

Sporting Excellence Lead: Mr Dutta: rdu@stmatthewacademy.co.uk