The sport&me series gives an insight into Oakham School pupils’ relationship with sport. We ask how their sport has developed during their time at Oakham, how it fits into their busy lives and what they love about the sports they play.
Form 4 pupil Hugo is a talented football and cricket player playing sport both in and outside of School.
Hugo’s Story
I’m in Form 4 in Barrow House now and I joined in Form 1 in Lower School after living in Thailand.
Sports
My main sport in school is cricket, which I am the captain of the U15 A team also having played 1 game in the 1st XI.
Outside of school my main sport is football where I play CDM (Centre Defensive Mid) for Peterborough United.
I have played football since I was 5 when I lived in Thailand. I joined Peterborough when I came back to the UK when I joined Oakham now playing in their U15 team.
Playing for Peterborough
We have training on Monday and Friday nights with games on Saturday mornings which does mean I miss some lessons on occasion.
The school doesn’t have a problem with this as long as I am making sure I am getting all of the catch-up work done and getting good grades.
Sport at Oakham
I’ve enjoyed playing cricket a lot, it’s a good team with good coaches and it’s a good pathway and they’re always trying to push you forward. Like if you are in the U13’s and they think you are good enough they will push you forward so you’re always improving.
The Facilities are good too, when it’s raining we can always go and play in the sports hall and we always used the nets in there during pre-season when it was later sessions and it was getting dark outside.
Balancing Sport and Academics
It is hard work but if needed I’ll do prep and work during my break and lunch times to make sure I’m staying on top of everything.
Sporting Role Model
The player I look up to at the moment would have to be Rodri for Manchester City, he’s the guy in the middle of a team that is winning everything. I always look at how he plays, how he receives the ball, how he scans and checks his shoulder and it seems quite effortless to him.
Advice to Younger Pupils
When you are spending time on the sport make sure you are staying focused and not getting side tracked.
Also, don’t give up your academics for the sport, it gives you lots more options for the future.
Find out about our Sporting Futures evening on Thursday 5th October for networking opportunities and to hear more about sporting pathways and academies.
