Millfield students are leading a community sports outreach initiative in partnership with Wookey Primary School, providing weekly sports sessions for pupils in Years 3 to 6.
The programme, delivered by Millfield sports captains, gives younger pupils the opportunity to experience a wide range of sports while building confidence and enthusiasm for physical activity.
The sessions take place weekly at Millfield and alternate between boys and girls from Wookey Primary, ensuring all pupils have the chance to participate. Through the programme, children are introduced to a variety of activities including rugby, tennis, dance and fencing, allowing them to try sports they may not usually have access to while benefiting from Millfield’s sporting facilities and coaching environment.
Captain of School Evie Colyer started the project when she saw the percentage of dropout rates in sport among young children during primary school. “The percentage is too high, and I believe giving children opportunities to play sport and making it fun is fundamental to their education. It is massively rewarding seeing the children’s smiles when they arrive at Millfield, and I hope that projects like this can happen more often. The percentage of drop out needs to change, and I hope this project leads the way at least within the local schools.”
The initiative was originally designed to focus on girls, responding to research highlighting the high dropout rates of female participation in sport. Studies from the Women in Sport, Sport England and the Youth Sport Trust show that around one million teenage girls (43%) who considered themselves “sporty” in primary school disengage from sport during adolescence. By the age of 14, girls are dropping out at twice the rate of boys, with 64% leaving sport before the age of 16.
Since its launch, the programme has expanded to include both boys and girls to maximise its positive impact. More broadly, research from the American Academy of Paediatrics indicates that around 70% of children drop out of organised sport before the age of 13, while nearly one in ten youth athletes experience burnout. These findings highlight the importance of enjoyment, variety and positive early experiences in sport.
Feedback from pupils demonstrates the programme’s positive impact. One student commented, “It has made me do lots more sport than just rugby and football,” while another said, “It has made me love sports even more and now I feel much more confident in myself.” Others highlighted the excitement of trying new activities: “It was fun and I loved the fencing,” and “The fun and fitness we have had has been amazing with lots of nice games to play.” Pupils also reflected on the anticipation of the sessions, noting that “it motivated us and made us really excited every time our turn came round.”
By providing a supportive environment where pupils can try new sports and be coached by both male and female leaders, the project promotes positive role models, encourages respect for coaches of all genders and helps young people build confidence in their abilities while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.
Wookey Primary School member of staff Mr James Anderton said “The Millfield project has had a huge impact on our children with all children engaging, taking part, and having fun, even those that often opt out of PE or sport. For the children to see older students clearly loving sport and wanting to share that passion it has a huge benefit, especially with the girls who often have a higher dropout rate when older. Visiting the campus and seeing the variety of sports being played, the facilities, trophies, posters etc. Raises the children’s awareness and opens their eyes to the possibilities. The experience is thoroughly enjoyable for all with huge levels of excitement every session and getting to try sports they may not have even heard of is awesome. Thank you, Evie and all the Millfield team.”
Categories: Millfield School School News
