Player Pathway Programme
Player Pathway Programme
Sporting Excellence at Every Level
Explore our player pathways that are designed to nurture growth and prepare budding athletes for success.
“The Performance Pathway nurtures confident, resilient and ambitious young people. Pupils enhance their technical and tactical football ability while developing leadership, character, communication and teamwork that prepares them for life beyond the game.”
Perry Wild, Head of Football
Football Player Pathway Programme
Our Football Player Pathway Programme combines high-quality, elite-level football coaching with a focus on academic excellence to empower young players to reach their full potential – on the pitch and in the classroom.
The programme is rooted in the belief that football teaches resilience. It provides players with the skills to be able to deal with setbacks, to take responsibility for their own progress and to communicate effectively under pressure.
Participants in the programme develop not only the technical knowledge and skills to be successful beyond school sport but also the growth mindset that is key in all areas of life, academically, socially and emotionally.
What the programme includes
Players benefit from a comprehensive package of support that extends far beyond traditional football training. This includes:
- Structured strength & conditioning sessions
- Team and individual analysis, including video analysis of training sessions and games
- Position and small group sessions
- Trips and experiences designed to further players’ knowledge of the sport
- Regular fixtures and competitions to continually improve skill and technique
- Expert coaching from experienced professionals
- Support with time management, discipline and becoming an effective leader
- Nutrition and lifestyle guidance, including building a strong sporting mentality
- Support with attaining scholarships and accessing elite performance environments beyond the programme
“Our aim is to create an environment where every player can push themselves as hard and as far as they are capable, while enjoying their cricket and maintaining a healthy balance with their academic studies. Whether a pupil’s ambition is to represent the school, county, academy or beyond, the Cricket Pathway Programme provides the guidance, support and opportunities to help them achieve their goals.”
Emyr Lewis, Head of Performance Sport
Cricket Player Pathway Programme
Designed to create the framework for success both on and off the cricket field, the Cricket Player Pathway Programme provides aspiring players with an insight into the demands of professional sport.
Participants in the programme develop the technical knowledge and skills to be successful in school sport and beyond alongside the time management and self-discipline skills to maintain sustained academic excellence.
An individual selected for the Player Pathway Programme must show the highest levels of commitment to both their academic studies and their sport and complete attendance and adherence to the programme and its values is mandatory. Selection for the programme is also dependent upon commendation from two school coaches from Year 7 upwards, as well as the pupils’ potential across all elements of the sport, including batting, taking wickets as a bowler or taking catches as a wicketkeeper.
What the programme includes
Players benefit from a comprehensive package of support that extends far beyond traditional cricket training. This includes:
- Specialist strength & conditioning support tailored to improve physical and mental performance alongside sport
- Nutrition and athlete lifestyle advice, with a focus on time management, leadership skills and mental resilience
- Additional group sessions alongside Games sessions and individual coaching
- Sessions at the Loughborough University Centre of Excellence for Exercise and Health Sciences
- Training sessions and advice from external coaches and alumni who have been successful in cricket, such as Harry Gurney
“The Netball Player Pathway provides students with an outstanding environment to develop both on and off the court. With consistent high-level coaching, structured on-court and gym-based training, and access to specialist support in sports psychology and nutrition, students are given every opportunity to maximise their potential. Learning from experienced external coaches also exposes players to different perspectives and elite standards, helping them grow in confidence, performance and understanding of the game. It’s a pathway that develops well-rounded athletes and sporting excellence while supporting consistent academic success.”
Ella Clark, Head of Netball
Netball Player Pathway Programme
The Netball Player Pathway Programme champions our student athletes by providing them with the necessary support, guidance and framework that will enable them to succeed at the highest levels both on and off the netball court.
It teaches aspiring student athletes the self-discipline, time management and motivation necessary to balance the demands of elite sport with a sustained focus on academic excellence.
An individual selected for the Player Pathway Programme must show the highest levels of commitment to both their academic studies and their sport and complete attendance and adherence to the programme and its values is mandatory. Selection for the programme is also dependent upon commendation from two school coaches from Year 7 upwards, as well as the pupils’ desire to contribute to school netball and becoming a positive role model both inside and outside the classroom.
What the programme includes
Players benefit from a comprehensive package of support that extends far beyond traditional netball training. This includes:
- Specialist strength & conditioning support tailored to improve physical and mental performance alongside sport
- Specific skill development sessions with professional netball players and coaches
- Nutrition and athlete lifestyle advice, with a focus on time management, leadership skills and mental resilience
- Individual coaching sessions available at lunchtimes or during free periods during the day
- Coaching from external professionals and Loughborough Lightning players
Regular opportunities to compete in fixtures and represent the school at county and regional competitions
“Our pupils are extremely dedicated to the programme and wear their kit with pride, acting as role models for the younger generations. Our pathway has provided a foundation for us to improve both the technical and tactical aspects of our top hockey players, and we have seen the impact this has had on both of our senior teams in the past number of years – most notably our 1st XI girls becoming Tier 2 National Champions in 2025.”
Hannah Grieve, Head of Hockey
Hockey Player Pathway Programme
Designed to help our student athletes perform to their full potential, the Hockey Player Pathway Programme provides pupils with the support and guidance necessary to succeed at the highest levels both on and off the playing field.
The programme brings together pupils in Years 11-13 from both Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School who train together once a week. Pupils in Year 10 are invited for a trial process at Easter, enabling them to gain an insight into a specialised athlete environment.
Selection for the programme is characterised by the potential, dedication and attitude that players show toward hockey and thus, players are required to demonstrate 100% commitment to both their sport and academic studies. This sense of commitment helps players understand and build a strong sporting mentality, encouraging them to seek continuous improvement and maintain high standards both inside and outside of the classroom.
What the programme includes
Players benefit from a comprehensive package of support that extends far beyond traditional hockey training. This includes:
- Indoor and outdoor training sessions led by experienced coaches
- Regular opportunities to compete in fixtures and represent the school at county and regional competitions
- A structured gym programme to provide balanced and well-rounded training
- Individual development planning, including clear, personalised progression pathways and a focus on nutrition, athlete lifestyle and mindset, time management and self-discipline
- Leadership and values education and guidance with balancing academic and sporting commitments
