Unforgettable Experiences in Annual Sports Tour

Last weekend, our Year 6 pupils took part in the annual King’s Hawford Sports Tour – a much-anticipated tradition that gives our children a fantastic opportunity to showcase their sporting skills against fellow independent schools from other parts of the UK. For the ninth consecutive year, our destination was the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff.

We set off from school on Friday morning in high spirits, with the sun shining and a real buzz of excitement in the air. Our first stop was the scenic town of Monmouth, where our boys and girls were set to take on The Grange Monmouth.

From the outset, it was clear that Monmouth’s rugby team were a well-drilled and physical side. However, our boys rose to the challenge admirably, showing great resilience and commitment. Both Hawford teams put in excellent performances, defending bravely and scoring some outstanding tries.

Over on the astroturf, the girls played two thrilling hockey matches. They impressed from the first whistle, demonstrating solid teamwork in defence and fluid, attacking hockey that resulted in some well-earned goals. Their teamwork and spirit were truly commendable.

After a warm and friendly post-match tea with our hosts, we travelled to the historic Cardiff Castle. Our guide brought the castle’s rich history to life, sharing fascinating stories about its design and its role in defending against invaders. A particular highlight for many was trying on replica medieval armour and weaponry!

We then explored the castle’s many rooms and features, where the children once again impressed with their interest, behaviour and thoughtful questions. After a busy day, we headed to our accommodation looking forward to an evening of fun in the pool.

Saturday began with an early start and a hearty breakfast before heading off to our main fixture of the weekend – matches against Llandaff Cathedral School. Once again, the games were played with great energy and competitive spirit.

The girls were especially thrilled to play on the Welsh National Hockey pitch – a real honour – and certainly rose to the occasion. Both teams played with skill and determination, with Mrs Butt and Miss Lake full of praise for their tactical awareness and teamwork.

The boys also faced tough opposition in their rugby matches. Llandaff took an early lead, but our teams showed remarkable resilience, fighting back with some fantastic attacking play and strong defence. Mr Cook and Mr Hodgkins were particularly proud of the grit and effort shown in the second halves.

Our continued partnership with Llandaff Cathedral School remains a real highlight of the tour, and we enjoyed renewing the strong friendships and sporting ties we’ve developed over the years.

After the matches, we headed to one of the most anticipated events of the tour – a visit to the iconic Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh sport. During our guided tour, we learned about the stadium’s engineering – including its famous retractable roof – and were amazed to hear it becomes the second-largest indoor venue in the world when closed!

The tour gave the children a taste of what it feels like to be a professional athlete. From stepping into the press conference room and team changing areas to walking through the players’ tunnel and out onto pitchside with the roar of the virtual crowd, it was truly unforgettable. A glimpse into the luxury hospitality boxes, including the Royal Box, added a final touch of glamour to the experience. Many children left with a souvenir to remember the day by.

Throughout the tour, the children were fantastic ambassadors for the school. Special congratulations go to Zara O and Luca M, who were named Players of the Tour for their outstanding sporting contributions, and to Georgia B, who was awarded the ‘Best Tourist’ prize for her exemplary behaviour, helpfulness and attitude.

Finally, a huge thank you to our host schools in Monmouth and Cardiff for their warm hospitality, and to Mrs Butt, Mr Cook, Miss Lake and Miss Collins for their unwavering support, expert coaching and encouragement throughout the trip.

We hope that all the children had an unforgettable experience and have made memories to treasure for years to come.