Shoreham Academy sports stars represent England at international level

Young sports stars at Shoreham Academy are bringing the school an international reputation as they compete for Great Britain in a range of disciplines.
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Talented basketball player Rafi Jalloh is already playing at under-16 level, despite being only in year nine, and he made it to the national finals of the Ball Out 3x3 tournament last summer, performing to a standard well beyond his years.

Rafi, 14, has been playing basketball for five years, moving from local level through national and conference to prem.

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He said: “I am ambitious, driven and fearless on the court. Playing basketball is my life and I intend for it to be my future to the highest possible level I can achieve.”

Some of the exceptional rhythmic gymnasts regularly compete at an international levelSome of the exceptional rhythmic gymnasts regularly compete at an international level
Some of the exceptional rhythmic gymnasts regularly compete at an international level
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Zack Henry is equally ambitious on the football pitch and was recently signed by Crystal Palace Football Club.

His goals and overall performance have led to him being selected for the under-15 squad training camp at St George’s Park, the home of England’s teams.

The school said Zack had great potential for success in football and his was currently on day release for Crystal Palace.

Harvey Wenham, Cavan Gratwick and Zack Mongan after a 5-1 win against Mid SussexHarvey Wenham, Cavan Gratwick and Zack Mongan after a 5-1 win against Mid Sussex
Harvey Wenham, Cavan Gratwick and Zack Mongan after a 5-1 win against Mid Sussex
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Jim Clarke, head of PE, said: “At Shoreham Academy, our vision is that students enjoy their PE lessons and access our extensive extracurricular programme, so that they are inspired into a lifelong participation in physical activity.

“We are incredibly proud of the sporting achievements of our students and the way they strive to achieve the very highest standards.”

There are also some exceptional rhythmic gymnasts at Shoreham Academy who regularly compete at an international level.

Sixth form students Rosie Cheale, Emily Austin, Phillipa Museva and Atanaska Kirilova are all part of Team GB and in October, they represented Great Britain at the world championships in Tokyo. The team finished 17th with its best score yet.

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Dance is going from strength to strength, including year-13 students Leah Gallant and Maisie Wickens competing at the 2021 Dance World Cup with Brooks Dancing Academy.

Maisie said: “My time within dance at Shoreham Academy has given me so many amazing opportunities which have inspired me to continue studying dance further.”

Last year, Shoreham Academy decided to revive its netball academy and now more than 30 enthusiastic students enjoy regular training sessions. In November, the under-18 team played its first match, securing a comfortable win against Varndean College.

Jim Coupe, principal, said: “Despite a challenging 18 months for us all, our students have continued to show immense dedication and commitment to their studies, sports and disciplines, so it is wonderful to see them enjoy and celebrate their collective and individual achievements.

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“They are incredible ambassadors for Shoreham who stand to inspire the rest of our school community, and other students of the same age, to achieve their goals.

“It is those same values and attributes which enable them to succeed on the pitch, court or stage that allow them to excel in the classroom – confidence, determination, ambition and enthusiasm. We are very proud of all our students for living out these values in all they do at Shoreham Academy and in their wider lives.”

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