Rugby and Eton Fives Coaching Agency Report
(1999/2000 Season)
Another good year. Twenty four schools were supplied with coaching/support, with large numbers of boys and girls enjoying the game.
High Wycombe Royal Grammar School has made a very encouraging start to its Fives re-launch, receiving coaching every week and with enthused pupils taking part in the Harrow Under 14 beginners tournament, as well as the National Schools Fives championships. Fives coaching at Lancing College was doubled - to two days each week, with large numbers of boys playing the game as part of their games/activities programme. Elsewhere schools with dormant Fives courts have been located - providing additional venues where the game might be brought back to life with the right support and encouragement.
The REFCA continued to run various Tournaments during the season. All were very well supported: International Youth Handball and Fives championships, Ladies Open Eton Fives Championships, Mixed Championships, London Tournament, Harrow U14 Beginners', and the Rossall Open. The Rossall Open brought adult players of Eton and Rugby Fives together in the same arena.
Emanuel School continues to play with great enthusiasm, and are now about to enter their Senior Team into the third Division of the EFA League. It will be good to see the Emanuel courts back in use for adult Fives once again. City of London School (playing at Westminster) and Sevenoaks School (playing at St.Olave's), have both developed their interest in Fives thanks to the enthusiasm engendered by the masters-in-charge, and both have taken part in school matches and Tournaments.
Very strong links have been established with Zuoz School, where they are now developing a professional and extensive Fives coaching programme. More opportunities are now being created for Zuoz School to take part in a wider variety of events in England, and British schools and clubs are being encouraged to visit Zuoz - an ideal touring base!
Finally some of REFCA's pupils at Stoke Newington School won an ITV series called "Pump It UP" - a teenage version of The Gladiators, but in teams who represent a given sport. In other words, FIVES defeated all the other better known sports on national television in a thirteen week series. Each time the Fives team appeared, a one-minute profile of the sport was screened. They were filmed on the courts at St.Olave's.
Howard Wiseman
Constructed by Mike Fenn
28th October 2000
efa@etonfives.co.uk