Celebrating Another Outstanding Year of Lancing Sport

One of the highlights of the sporting calendar is always our annual Sports Dinner. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate everything achieved this year, whilst recognising the commitment, dedication and character of the students, coaches and staff who make Lancing Sport what it is.

This year’s dinner was particularly special as we welcomed our new Head Master, Dr Scott Crawford, to his first Sports Dinner. His enthusiasm for sport and his commitment to investing in its future were evident, and the announcement of a £6.5 million investment in sports facilities marks an exciting new chapter for Lancing Sport. 

We were also privileged to welcome Jamie Jones-Buchanan as our guest speaker. Jamie enjoyed an outstanding career with Leeds Rhinos, making over 400 appearances and winning numerous Super League titles. He spoke about the values that underpin every successful team: leadership, resilience, humility and the importance of putting others before yourself. His message resonated with everyone in the room and perfectly reflected the values we strive to develop in our own students. 

The evening gave me the opportunity to reflect on what has been another exceptional year. This year, Lancing students represented the College in an incredible 438 fixtures, fielding 71 teams across our sporting programme. Those numbers are remarkable for a school of just over 600 students and say everything about the enthusiasm with which our students embrace sport. 

There have been many highlights. Football enjoyed one of its finest years in recent memory, with the boys’ 1st XI recording their most successful Lent Term on record and the U16A boys making history by reaching the ESFA National Final at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium. The girls’ football programme also continued its impressive rise, reaching the Charterhouse Sevens Bowl Final. 

Athletics provided one of the highlights of Founder’s Day as the entire College came together for our annual Festival of Athletics. Students from every year group competed in the traditional sprint races in front of the whole school, with every race enthusiastically supported by students, staff and parents alike. It is moments like these that remind us how sport brings our community together. As always, the staff versus students’ tug-of-war proved a fiercely contested and hugely entertaining finale.

Our hockey programme continues to set exceptionally high standards. Across more than 120 fixtures, the Girls’ 1st XI, Under-16s and Under-14s all secured county and regional medals, while the Girls’ 2nd XI extended their remarkable unbeaten run into a second successive season. Tennis celebrated another successful year, with the Under-18 boys retaining the Sussex Plate and the girls’ finishing runners-up in the Sussex Cup. Netball reached another SISNA Plate Final, basketball topped its league before reaching the semi-finals, and athletics continued to go from strength to strength, highlighted by Jack Ryan’s new League Run record of 9 minutes 17 seconds and a record-breaking 402 runners taking part in one Friday League Run. 

However, as I said during the evening, Lancing Sport has never simply been about results, it is about creating opportunities and building confidence. It is about learning to win with humility, lose with dignity and always put the team first. Those values were reflected throughout the evening as we recognised the individuals whose commitment has helped shape our sporting community. 

The Richard Pithey Award for Sporting Endeavour was presented to Kitty H and Theo S-F, recognising their dedication, perseverance and outstanding contribution across multiple sports. 

The Sporting Excellence Award went to Issy C, whose achievements in rugby continue to reach new heights. From representing Sussex to earning selection for the Scotland Futures Camp, Issy’s journey is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through talent, resilience and relentless hard work. 

This year’s Sporting Breakthrough Award was shared by Connor Hui and Ottie G, two students whose development has been nothing short of outstanding. Both have worked tirelessly to establish themselves as key members of our senior teams and fully deserve this recognition. 

The Team of the Year Award was presented to the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey Team. Their success has been built on more than results.. They have created a culture centred on commitment, respect and togetherness, qualities that saw them enjoy an exceptional season and finish third in the South East Regional Finals. 

The Sports Personality of the Year, award, voted for by the students is always a highlight. Congratulations to Seb G and Lily T, whose enthusiasm, humour and sportsmanship have made them outstanding ambassadors for Lancing Sport. 

One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came as Mr Owen Mussell received the Coach of the Year Award. Owen’s contribution to football, particularly the remarkable growth of our girls’ programme, has been immense. As he moves on, it was entirely fitting that we were able to recognise everything he has given to Lancing. 

The Pat Martyn-Smith Legacy Award remains one of the most special awards we present. Named in honour of a colleague whose courage, determination and love of sport continue to inspire us all, this year’s recipients were Chloe Steven and Beau Fountain, both of whom exemplify the spirit in which the award was created. 

Congratulations also to Hattie Pope, Kitty H, Chloe W, Emily M and Harriet B, who were each awarded prestigious Sports Caps for achieving full colours in three or more sports, an exceptional accomplishment that reflects years of dedication and excellence. 

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the evening was presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Raj M. Raj’s influence on cricket at Lancing extends far beyond coaching. He has inspired generations of students, developed outstanding players and helped shape outstanding young people. His standing ovation was richly deserved and reflected the affection and respect in which he is held across the College community. 

The evening concluded with our two highest individual honours. The Taylor Salver was presented to Hattie P, recognising an exceptional sporting career across hockey, netball and tennis, while The Miller Cup was awarded to Marley R, whose outstanding contribution to football and cricket has left an indelible mark on Lancing Sport. 

Looking around the room, I was reminded that sport at Lancing is built on far more than trophies and medals. It is built on relationships, shared experiences, resilience and the willingness of our students to represent something bigger than themselves.

My sincere thanks go to our students, staff, coaches, graduate assistants, parents and supporters for everything you have done throughout the year. Together, you continue to make Lancing Sport something of which we can all be incredibly proud. 

Ms Kelly Edwards
Director of Sport