Abbey Gate College have a trio of sporting stars who are making great strides in their particular sports.
Following the Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) North v South match on December 1, College pupil Barnaby Franklin has been chosen to represent the National ISFA Under 16 side against Shropshire Schools and MK Dons at The FA’s National Football Centre at St George’s Park, on Thursday 19 and Friday, December 20.
Barnaby is having a tremendous season and has already played for Cheshire Under 16 Schoolboys as well attending trials at Manchester City.
Congratulations also go to sixth former pupil Libby Smith who has achieved more success in gymnastics. As well as working hard for her A levels and learning lines for her leading role in the College’s production of Guys and Dolls, Libby has found time to compete and win a local gymnastics competition.
Taking part in the Phil Tighe Regional Gymnastics Competition at Birchwood Leisure Centre, Warrington, Libby came 3rd in the vault, 2nd in the floor and 1st overall from all of those competing in the Advanced Girls class.
This year Libby has also been crowned as the Welsh National Tumbling Champion, as well as finishing second in the British competition.
Year 11 pupil Naomi Craig is a champion once again as at the weekend she competed in and won the Under 17 British Modern Biathlon Championships in Solihull.
39 of the countries top athletes competed in the event that comprised of a 1600m run and 200m swim.
Following this Naomi is hoping to be selected to represent Team GB once again in the European Championships in May/June this year though she will be unable to take part in the World Championships because of her GCSE examinations in the summer.
Naomi has competed in a string of other competitions, with the most notable being the Under 17 Yorkshire Modern Pentathlon Championships. Top athletes from across the country competed in the five disciplines: swimming, running, fencing, riding and shooting and despite competing against those a year older than her, she once again came out on top.
All 3 are fantastic role models for pupils throughout the College and we are immensely proud of everything that they achieve. We wish them all the best as they combine their hectic training schedules with their academic studies.
