Throughout the 2017/18 academic year, pupils had the opportunity to compete in 12 different types of sports in 21 tournaments, leagues and competitions. The school pupils are now the reigning Suffolk County Champions in basketball, Hi-5 netball, boys football, girls football and rounders; and are county runners up in sportshall athletics and quicksticks hockey.  

Michael Barwick, Sports Coach at Sidegate Primary School, said: “This has been an incredible year for Sidegate Primary School students. Our teams of dedicated young people regularly attend training and listen carefully to coaching to allow themselves to improve and develop team-working. I am immensely proud of all the pupils who have represented the school this year across the wide range of sporting opportunities that we offer.”

Wendy James, Headteacher at Sidegate Primary School, added: “At Sidegate, we are committed to providing a broad, rich and balanced curriculum. The sporting results this year reflect four years of high quality PE lessons and extra-curricular opportunities. Our sports coach, Michael, ensures we enter as many leagues and competitions as the school calendar will allow.

“I would like to thank and congratulate our small team of dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to train the pupils; organise the necessary paperwork for matches and competitions; and transport the pupils to and from the matches. Much of the time they put in is completely voluntary and the school is very lucky for their support.”

The school works with external partners, Ipswich Basketball Club and the Eleanor Baltacha Tennis Academy to enhance its sporting offer and give pupils the opportunity to extend their sports involvement beyond the school. This partnership has resulted in three pupils being selected to represent the East of England and win a national basketball tournament, and many pupils playing tennis at a high level, including a county-level player.

Year 6 student, Maia Wiseman, was announced as Sidegate’s Sports Personality of the Year 2017/18, at the school’s end of year awards ceremony in July.

Maia commented: “I really enjoy being able to try lots of different sports at school and having the encouragement from my teachers and Mr Barwick. Through sports, I have learned the importance of working together as part of a team and about the different skills that people bring to the team! Taking part in the competitive sporting events has also really improved my confidence as I can see my skills improving.”

Maia played basketball for the first time in year three when the school introduced a new coach. She now proudly plays for Basketball England’s East Region team. 

Suffolk School Games and Ipswich Primary Schools Sports Association organise and manage the leagues and competitions and are dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to compete at a high level.