CHALLENGE & BALANCE

Sport brings challenge, and a vital balance to academic life. Every afternoon, pupils can participate in a wide range of sporting opportunities. Our coaching staff consists of former international players and professionals, as well as current county and district level coaches. Their expertise and enthusiasm readies pupils to represent their sport at regional, county, national and international level.

FUTURE WINS

The school’s PE Centre and indoor sporting facilities, based at Kingsgate Park, are undergoing a significant transformation and improvement.

The redevelopment of the PE Centre to create a state-of-the-art complex will allow all our pupils to enjoy and participate in a variety of sports whilst simultaneously enabling the most talented and driven pupils to train and compete at the highest level.

Members of the public will be able to join the Wykeham Sports Club and use the facilities when the new complex opens and can register their interest via the link below.

ROWING

The water meadows, in which Winchester College is situated, are interlaced by the River Itchen. Its willow-lined chalk streams provide a stunning backdrop for rowing. Winchester has one of the oldest school rowing clubs in the country, founded officially in 1867, but its boathouse facilities are unquestionably modern.  

Crews race at all levels, at regattas in summer and head races in winter. The majority of training takes place on the tidal waters in Southampton from the University's boat house. The pupils’ focus every year is the National Schools Regatta in May, followed by Henley Royal Regatta at the beginning of July.

FOOTBALL

Catering for all abilities, there are many school as well as house teams for pupils to compete in. Regular training sessions throughout the week prepare players for a full and varied fixture list.

We have superb pitches and excellent ground staff. A large number of dons bring their enthusiasm and experience into play to support a footballing community that permeates the entire school. All work together around our first full-time Soccer Professional, Jason Dodd, former Club Captain and Director of the Player Academy at Southampton FC.

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FENCING

Winchester offers all three weapons: Foil, Epée and Sabre. Foil fencing uses a thick wire-like sword, Epée fencing involves a heavier sword, and Sabre is more military, with a weapon resembling a real cavalry sword. All three disciplines develop tough mental and physical agility and fitness.  

We welcome enthusiasts of all abilities. Individual coaching is provided by experienced, national level instructors and, for those who need it, kit can be borrowed from the club. Pupils train two or three times a week, with regular fixtures against schools such as Abingdon, Charterhouse, Eton, Harrow and Westminster. We also compete with success in regional and national events, including the Public Schools' Fencing Championships.

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FIVES

Similar to squash but played with gloved hands, Fives is a highly sociable sport played at schools, universities and clubs around the country. Boys get a taster when they arrive and can play in teams at every age level. The fixture list includes Bradfield, Marlborough, Radley, Tonbridge and St. Paul's.  

For social players, there are house competitions and a singles ladder. For those who excel, there are opportunities to play against adult teams and in national competitions. 

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MARTIAL ARTS

Pupils interested in martial arts can explore the disciplines of Aikido, Judo and Karate. As well as learning non-aggressive skills for self-protection, pupils also develop their flexibility, balance and coordination, as well as an understanding of teamwork, self-discipline and defence awareness.  

Aikido students have managed to attain a black belt in just under four years, under the tutelage of our black belt instructors. Judo players practise twice a week in the fully sprung dojo and enjoy friendly matches against several schools. Karate classes are taught by a black belt don with over 45 years of competition experience. Our pupils have won over ten golds as well as numerous silver and bronze medals in the recent Independent Schools' Championships.

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WINCHESTER COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Winchester College long ago invented its own competitive team sport involving scrums, pupils of all different shapes and sizes, and plenty of fun in the mud. When Rugby was first introduced to South Africa, it was the Winchester game that was played. ‘Our Game’ is similar to rugby, but there is less running with the ball, resulting in fewer tackles.  

Affectionately known as ‘Winkies’ and only played in the Spring Term, the sport is entirely house-based. Matches are played from the elite and aspirational (XVs) standard through to mass participation (Junior XIs). 

A GREATER CHOICE

With over 30 sports and activities to choose from, whether part of the PE curriculum or an elective activity, there is something for everyone at Winchester. This flexibility is one of the strengths of sport here. It allows pupils to explore and pursue excellence in their chosen specialisms, leading to a deeper appreciation and a life-long enjoyment of sport:

Adventure Education (including Kayaking, Climbing and Mountain Biking), Aikido, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Cricket, Croquet, Cross Country, Fencing, Fishing, Fives, Futsal, Golf, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Martial Arts, Rackets, Rowing, Sailing, Soccer, Squash, Strength & Conditioning, Swimming, Table Tennis, Target Rifle Shooting, Tennis, Water Polo, Winchester College Football, Yoga.

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EXTENSIVE FACILITIES

The school owns 52 acres of playing fields, many of them situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition, the Winchester College Boat Club offers rowers a unique and stunning setting for training. Founded in 1867 and one of the oldest school clubs in the country, it is located on the River Itchen, close to the main campus.

Indoor sport facilities are undergoing a major transformation with a new Sports Centre due to open in 2024.


SPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS

Those with exceptional sporting talent are given maximum support and encouragement at Winchester. Our Sports Scholarships have been set up to bring out the best in pupils who demonstrate exceptional ability on the football or cricket pitch. We also consider pupils who show great promise in other sports including rowing, golf, hockey, tennis, squash/rackets, athletics and martial arts. 

FIND OUT MORE

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