Hawford on Tour – Cardiff 2023

Last week, our Year Six children took part in the annual Cardiff Sports Tour. Now in its seventh year, the tour is seen by our pupils as a rite of passage and as such is a highly valued tradition, one which provides them with an excellent opportunity to test their sporting ability against similar independent schools from another area of the UK.

It was very excited group of Year Six pupils who departed from school last Friday. They were all full of enthusiasm and anticipation for what lay ahead, and it is safe to say that spirits were tremendously high as the ‘buses pulled out of Lock Lane, bound for picturesque Monmouth.

This year pupils played matches against Monmouth School. It was an early start, and both the rugby and hockey teams were raring to go. There was some excellent play on the hockey and rugby pitches and our teams were also grateful for the wonderful hospitality shown by our guests.

Having enjoyed our opponents’ company and hospitality over the match teas, we then headed to the historic Cardiff Castle. On arrival, pupils were told all about the fascinating history of the castle and how its careful design made it impenetrable to potential invaders. The children were even able to try on some medieval armour and weapons!

An interesting and insightful tour of the castle followed. The staff members who accompanied the children on tour commented on how well behaved they were and were particularly impressed with the children’s knowledge and understanding.

Everyone woke bright and early on Saturday morning, fully rested after a great night’s sleep. Fuelled by a hearty breakfast, pupils checked out of their accommodation and headed to Llandaff Cathedral School, ready to take on their next tour fixture.

As always, the matches against Llandaff Cathedral School were hotly contested. After the games, our pupils continued to build some fantastic relationships with colleagues and peers at the Cathedral School, and exchanged gifts to commemorate the continuation of what has become a valued partnership between the schools.

The highlight of the tour for many of our pupils was the tour of the home of Welsh sport, The Principality Stadium. Here pupils learnt all about the retractable roof and discovered that, when the roof is closed, the stadium becomes the second largest indoor venue in the world! During the tour, pupils were able to experience what it would be like to be an international sportsperson as they experienced the press conference room, the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel and, of course, the roar of the crowd as they arrived at pitch-side.

The children learnt all about the various areas of seating in the stadium and even experienced some hospitality in the luxurious private boxes and specifically the Royal Box. Having been wowed by the majesty of the home of Welsh sport, the children were keen to pick up a small memento of their visit in the gift shop.

The children all had a fantastic time throughout the tour, but the staff were particularly impressed by the playing performances of Sienna and Oscar H, who picked up the two Player of the Tour trophies. Staff were also delighted by the fantastic behaviour, helpfulness and politeness of Luke H, who picked up the Best Tourist Award.

Having had a fantastic tour, it is important to make a special mention of and show our gratitude to our host schools in Monmouth and Cardiff, as well as to say a huge “thank you” to Mr Hodgkins, Mrs Butt, Mr Cook, Mr Marsland and Miss Lake for their excellent support, coaching and encouragement throughout the tour.

We all hope that all the children had a wonderful time and have created memories that will stay with them for a very long time indeed.