We are thrilled to welcome Alan Awcock as our new Director of Sport, who joins us from Magdalen College School, Oxford. As a passionate sports enthusiast and former professional sportsman turned educator, Alan brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to Bloxham.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I have been involved in sport all of my life with a large part of my childhood spent playing a variety of sports including rugby, football, cricket and athletics. I then went off to university to study a sports degree and subsequently did a Masters degree in Sport, Ethics and Society, whilst playing rugby at university. From there I went on to play semi-professional and subsequently professional sport before completing performance coaching qualifications, alongside working in a number of schools and sports clubs, before taking a full-time position in a school as a professional coach.
What I enjoy about teaching is being on a journey with the pupils where you see them develop not only academically, but also in terms of their character. This becomes somewhat easier when you’re able to be involved with them in a boarding setting as you can then engage with them on different levels throughout the day, meaning that when you go to the academic lesson the relationship is more genuine. Being able to offer support, guidance and help them through difficult periods in the year is also really rewarding.
What attracted you to Bloxham?
Having spent eight years in a day school, the opportunity to progress into a greater role was appealing. I was interested in the variety of sport on offer at Bloxham through both the core programme and the broader curriculum, and the importance of sport in the boarding environment.
What are your main goals for the sports programme at Bloxham?
I am really keen to create a thriving sports programme where all pupils have an appropriate level of challenge and to encourage a lifelong love of sport and physical activity. There is already discussion of how the programme might evolve, although it is important for me to first learn and assess how sport currently operates. A big focus will be to deliver a plan that is inclusive for all, providing equal opportunities and working towards offering the best school sports programme in the region.
Can you share a memorable moment from your professional sporting career?
Playing in European matches in Lyon and Bordeaux particularly stand out for the experiences and opportunity. I’ve enjoyed sports tours around the world as a player and coach, including Kenya, South Africa, Canada and the USA, learning about the history and culture abroad. Sharing experiences and values through sport across the world is powerful and enlightening; the biggest that I’ve experienced is sport in South Africa at school level, where the entire communities are represented, not just the teams playing.
Who has been your biggest Sporting inspiration?
Whilst growing up, it was certainly Jonny Wilkinson – a World Cup winner who could do it all!
Piri Weepu (All Blacks), Olly Barclay (England), Tom May (England) are all inspirational to younger generations. They are great examples of players at international level who show the dedication and great qualities that high performance athletes need to possess.
How can sport contribute to the well-being and development of students?
Sport is a powerful tool that can involve everyone in a boarding community. The value of representing a common goal through sport as a vehicle will promote healthy lifestyles and boost academic achievement. There is an enormous opportunity for sport to promote positive learning and experiences to supports pupils in preparing them for their next steps in life.
We extend our best wishes to Alan in his new role as Director of Sport.