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Assuming that it’s the case that “successful sports people are more likely to visit fee-paying schools than state schools” (and I don’t see any data supporting this), then why is that the case?
It’s not like, dunno, football, fishing or swimming are the preserve of the ultra wealthy. Horsey stuff, maybe rowing, some racquet sports, then yes.
But in general terms the barrier wouldn’t seem to be “successful sports people are too posh to visit state schools”.
cookiemonster-
then why is that the case?
My guesses would be:
- schedule sports sessions 4-6 times per week
- large well equipped sports facilities
- ex-International sports people as coaches (I would be shocked if there was a single sports orientated private school that didn't have at least one person who'd played or coached in a national team)
- scholarships to talented kids
- contacts and understanding the youth County team and trials structure
- schedule sports sessions 4-6 times per week
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swimming
Does your average state school have a swimming pool in the grounds?
Anecdote alert but my eldest swims with a club who utilise various local pools, mainly council leisure centres one the club rents from a private school on Saturday morning. Full size 25m indoor pool available to the kids year round. The school has a swim team, they enter competitions, and clearly foster the competitive environment. There's posters up with quotes from kids about how they're going to qualify for this competition or set that time etc. Compare to the school my kid goes to to and it's worlds away.
Hardly surprising that places like that will churn out great swimmers really.
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Looks like a third of GB olympic athletes are from private schools so if you base it on alumni visiting you're probably ~ 9 times more likely to get a visit at a private school.
hugo7
Arducius
aggi
On sport and private education:
https://x.com/bazhsw8183/status/1817471001468297374