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Astro Appeal

Copthorne Prep School has an enviable record of success on the games field, and although we are a relatively small prep school, we compete very well against much larger schools. Many Copthorne pupils have gone onto to represent their County and even to win international recognition at age-group level. Many more leave the school having developed a life-long love of sport which they then pursue at their Senior Schools and beyond.

As well as nurturing and developing individual and team sporting talent, Copthorne’s primary aim is to encourage all pupils to enjoy sports as part of an active and healthy lifestyle. Whilst our facilities for coaching soccer, netball, rugby, cricket and rounders are first class, it is now universally accepted that hockey is predominantly played on synthetic (or artificial) sports turf surfaces. Simply put, when it comes to hockey Copthorne pupils do not compete on a level playing field when other local schools have an astro pitch on which to train and develop their skills.

This is something that the school is seeking to redress by way of this appeal. Plans have been drawn up for an AstroTurf pitch that will enhance not only the girls’ hockey coaching, but also the sporting provision for the whole school. Such a facility comes with a hefty price tag but with such wide ranging benefits for all pupils it is a worthy focus for the school’s first major fundraising focus since the construction of the sports hall over 30 years ago.

Whilst girls’ hockey remains the schools main focus, the AstroTurf will also allow boys greater access to the game – a valuable preparation for the sport at senior school. It will also enable more tennis to be played by providing the school with an additional three courts as well as more netball fixtures to be held at home with additional two full size courts. There will also be the opportunity for other sports such as rugby skills, soccer, cricket and rounders to be played all year round, as well as providing a suitable venue to support the Pre-Prep Daily Mile.

Updates for the Appeal, as well as future planned events such as the ones advertised here, the Astro Disco (Friday,  18 January) and the summer Triathlons and Duathlon (date to be confirmed) plus many other fundraising ideas, can be found on the website.

If you would like more information or a chance to discuss sponsorship, please speak to Chris Jones.