Great Crosby Catholic Primary School
Great Crosby Catholic Primary School
Great Crosby Catholic Primary School
Sport
Introduction
We are proud of our sporting tradition at Great Crosby. Our teams take part in local leagues and competitions with regular success.
During the year we train and have teams for football, swimming, cross-country, netball, athletics, rugby, rounders and cricket.
In lessons, the children also practise dance and gymnastics skills, hockey, basketball and lacrosse. Y3 have weekly swimming sessions.
The physical education policy at our school is to encourage children to enjoy all aspects of sport, whether it is competitive, creative and individual or team based.
Sport activities help pupils develop skills in physical activity and teamwork, build self- esteem and develop social skills.
As a school, we recognise the need to work towards an inclusive approach that allows as many pupils as possible to experience competitive sport and in some cases this will mean representing the school in competitions and inter-school events.
The full version of our Sport Philosophy can be downloaded below.
Jack Riding Trophy 2023
Jack Riding was and always will be a member of our Great Crosby family. He was an excellent
ambassador, hard worker, and a brilliant footballer with a smashing left foot. But the greatest
quality that Jack possessed was as a friend to ALL. He never judged or left anyone out, everyone was welcome to join in Jack's football match.
Each year, we celebrate Jack's legacy by awarding The Jack Riding Trophy. It is awarded to a pupil
who has demonstrated excellent sportsmanship, not only the pitch when playing but in the way that
they are always ready to offer support and encourage others - just like Jack did.
Throughout the year, he has represented our school in many different sporting events always
with a quiet determination and a smile on his face. On and off the sports arena, the new recipient
of this award has displayed many of Jack's qualities. He is focused, driven and tenacious - never
giving up and never allowing others to either. He is a role model, he lives out our school mission
statement he truly does have life and has it to the full. As a skilled and talented player, who is always
ready to put the team first, always willing to play any positions to an exceptional standard and
always the first to congratulate others.
His ability to read the game of football is second to none, he has a clear vision seeing what is
needed - this is true on and off the pitch. As a player he can spot a pass, as a friend he can spot
the person in need, he knows what people need, sometimes it is a kind word, sometimes it is just
that smile. He is are always there. A safe place where everyone can be themselves.
Just as importantly though is this recipient’s positive attitude. His kindness has been observed on
many occasions it shines out from within, lighting up our school since Reception. He understands
how to best support friends in the most difficult times. He encourages others to reach their goals -
willing them to be successful. He makes good choices even when they are not the easiest of
choices. He always stands up for what he believes to be right even if it means he is standing
alone. He is loyal and true.
Our award winner can lead from the front and equally be a loyal and cooperative member of a team
⁃ giving others a chance to lead - always caring about how he can make others feel valued and
good about themselves.
He is a brave box to box midfielder whose skill and courage has enabled others to shine. He doesn’t seek success and praise, instead he shows an integrity beyond his years. This award came as a surprise to him, as he probably felt others deserved it more.
But we can honestly say there is no one more deserving.
This year's Jack Riding Trophy was awarded to Archie McLean.
On the day of the presentation, we held a non-uniform day where children brought in donations to the South Sefton Foodbank.
2022-23 Sports News
Mon 3rd - Fri 7th Jul - Orienteering Week
Thank you to Cerys & Jason from Enrich Education for a week of orienteering sessions for every class. The children have had fun with lots of teamwork challenges. Photos below.
Wed 7th Jun - Jack Riding Tournament
Well done to St Nicholas Primary, winners of The Jack Riding Tournament in memory of our former pupil. Thank you to our referees, Ursuline and Waterloo who also joined us in our fundraising & Tesco for donating drinks & lollies.
Mon 22nd May - Southport Waterloo Schools One Mile Races
Well done to all the children who represented Great Crosby at the Southort Waterloo AC One Mile Races. It was a fantastic event, all the children behaved amazingly and gave 100% in their races. Congratulations to all the students that participated. We won the competition and are overall winners. Super proud of you all and can't wait for next year!' See below or press the green button for photos. of our teams.
Mon 24th Apr - Football Y6 Boys v Valewood
This was a great, competitive game with both sides pushing forward, but Great Crosby took the lead with a super goal from Conor. We fought hard to keep our lead, but their striker scored. Straight from the kick-off, we passed aggressively, looking for the goal. Declan scored and scored again. It was now 3-1 and we were determined to score more Shay W played a brilliant ball to midfield where it was passed to Bobby. A fantastic finish made it a 4-1 victory to Great Crosby at full-time. We would like to say thank you to Mrs Richards and oour special guest Mrs DeMott.
Fri 24th Feb - Central Sefton Sport Partnership Gymnastics Competition
On Friday 24th February, a team of Y3 and Y4 gymnasts took part in the Central Sefton Sport Partnership Gymnastics Competition at Chesterfield High School. They were a credit to the school performed amazingly, finishing 4th in the competition. Photos and videos below.
Fri 24th Feb - Football Y6 Boys v Forefield
Great Crosby Cup team played in the Griffiths Cup against Forefield Juniors.
This was our first game together as a team. The game was high pressured and Forefield attacked from the kick-off. They played wide and then narrow but we matched them and defended well.
They pushed forward and with a lucky break-through, they managed to score. We tightened our defence, but they proved to be a formidable side. Just before half time we managed to pull a goal back.
The second half saw both teams try to score. Unfortunately, it was Forefield who managed to get the all-important next goal. It was really hard to come back from 3 goals to 1 but we didn’t give up. Just before the final whistle, Forefield scored again. The final score was Great Crosby 1 Forefield 4. We would like to thank Mr Nilsen for refereeing and all our supporters.
We will not let this defeat get us down. We look forward to our next match.
Thu 1st Dec - Football Y6 Girls v St Mary's
On Thursday 1st December, Great Crosby girls’ football team faced St Mary’s Preparatory School. This was only our 2nd match as a team.
St Mary’s were a tough opponent. They played fast and furious football. It was obvious from the start that they had some very talented players in their team.
Ten minutes in, St Mary’s took the lead. We re-grouped and strengthed our defence. They threw attack after attack at us and at half-time had increased their goal tally to four.
After a half-time talk, we kicked off with renewed stamina. We spread the play out to the wings. We had shots at their goal, but sadly they ball did not find the back of the net.
St Mary’s managed to score one more goal making the final score 5-0 to St Mary’s.
We would like to thank our coaches and everyone who came to support us.
We go again after the Christmas break. Onward and upward.
Sat 26th Nov - Merseyside Cross Country Championships
Huge congratulations to Aiobheann, Roman and Lucas who were chosen to represent Sefton in the Merseyside Cross Country Championships on Saturday. All the children showed abundant energy and determination and did Great Crosby and the Borough of Sefton extremely proud. Photos below.
Thu 10th Nov - Football Y6 Girls v St Nicholas'
Great Crosby Lionesses kicked off their first football match against St Nicholas' CE School on Thursday 10th November. Our team consists of some experienced players, some with a little experience and some players who are brand new to the game.
We wore our Jack Riding kit with pride. The adrenaline was pumping. We were ready.
The first half saw St Nicholas’ team attack our goal but we defended really well. Lilly pulled off some spectacular saves. We settled into the game and kept our positions well. With a stable defense, we tried to push forward and play out through midfield.
At half-time the score was nil-nil.
After a quick team talk, we kicked off for the second half. We had 15 minutes to make our mark. Half way through the second half, St Nick’s surged forward with all their players. There was a lot of players in our goal area. Unfortunately, the ball was scrambled across the line to make the score 1-Nil to St Nicks.
The clock was ticking; we pressed forward, again and again we attacked the goal. With 2 minutes to go, the ball was passed into St Nick’s penalty area and Abi was in the box and slotted home. Our 1st goal! The crowd erupted. It was like we were at Wembley.
The final score was 1-1. We’ll take a point for our first game.
Thanks to St Nick’s for hosting and Mr Burns for referring.
We move forward and go again.
Mon 7th Nov - Y6 Netball at Merchant Taylors'
Congratulations to the girls who represented Great Crosby in a netball tournament. They won four of their five matches and went on to win the tournament at Merchant Taylors’. Their sense of team spirit made them a credit to our school.
Thu 3rd Nov - Football Y6 Boys v Forefield Juniors
On Thursday 3rd November, Great Crosby played Forefield Juniors in a league match.
The game was played on astroturf and was very slippery. At one point it was like we were playing on an ice rink. The game was full-on. The ball was passed from box to box with both teams taking shots at goal. Just before half-time, Shay pulled off an amazing save to keep the score at 0-0.
The second half was as intense as the first. The pitch made the ball run really fast and at times it was hard to keep control as it bounced off the surface.
Try as we might, we just couldn’t find the back of the net. The final whistle blew and the points were shared with a 0-0 draw.
Miss Cain, Forefield’s teacher said it was the best game she had ever refereed. She praised us for our sportsmanship and attitude. She said we are good representatives of our school. We were proud of our performance. Onward and upward – we go again.
Wed 12th Oct - Cross Country
Some of our pupils competed in the Y5/6 Sefton Schools’ Cross Country League at Merchant Taylors Playfields. The boys and girls were a delight to accompany and they represented their school marvellously. Their parents, teachers and other supporters were so impressed with their determination and resilience to succeed. All the children turned up enthusiastically despite the drizzle and cold weather and each and every one of them ran their hearts out. There were 40 children running in the Year 5 girls race and our very own Aoibheann from Y4 dazzled everyone by taking the gold medal for first place. Along with our other wonderful Year 5 runners, the girls’ team came 2nd overall and the boys 3rd. In Year 6, we had more fantastic runners. The Year 6 girls’ team came 3rd overall and the boys 4th. Mrs Lloyd and Miss Milward were so proud of you all. Well done and rest up for the next race in March.
Fri 7th Oct - Year 4 Multi-Skills Festival
Year 4 children took part in the Multi-Skills Festival. The team were a joy to take & did Great Crosby proud. Their determination, willingness to have a go & enthusiasm were inspirational. Well done in coming 5th out of 14 teams. Thank you to Chesterfield High School's staff & pupils.
Thu 6th Oct - Football Y6 Boys v St Edmund's and St Thomas'
Great Crosby boys played St Edmund's and St Thomas' Primary School at home. Right from the start, we pressed forward. Within the first few minutes, Declan chased down a ball that was destined to go out, but managed to pull it back and fire a shot into the goal. Fired on by this goal, Declan ran the forward line and added to his goal tally with 2 more goals giving him his first hat-trick. At half time we were 3 nil up.
Our coaches substituted Haaland, I mean Declan, Malik and Reuben and on came Conor, Zac and Bobby. Our passing out from the back was excellent. Soon Conor with 2 goals, Bobby with one and a smasher from our captain Archie completed a 7 nil win.
As a team, we played really well and supported each other. We are looking forward to our next game on Thursday against Ursuline. We would like to thank Mr Nilsen for referring the game and Mrs Richards and Mrs DeMott for organising and coaching us. We would also like to thank our supporters who cheered us on.
Onward and upward.
2021-22
The Jack Riding Trophy
This is the fourth presentation of the Jack Riding Trophy. It is to be presented each year to our young sporting star. This does not necessarily mean the best, fastest most skillful sports person, but someone who has shown excellent sportsmanship.
Jack was and will always be a member of our Great Crosby family. Yes, he was an amazing footballer but he was much more than that. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a friend and a classmate. Although he wasn’t top of the class, he always tried really hard in everything he undertook. He followed rules and respected the talents of everyone in his team and that of those in the teams he played against. So it is right and fitting that we should honour his memory with an award to an amazing sports person. Jack is the boy who makes us all smile when someone says his name.
The recipient of the fourth Jack Riding Trophy has been a most excellent ambassador for our school.
She has proven herself to be an ‘all-rounder’ who is happy to do whatever is asked. She has played in all positions on the football pitch; never questioned it; always accepted it and always given their best. She has run and run and run whilst representing the school at many cross country races. In all areas of school life, she has encouraged and supported others to stretch themselves to be the best that they can be.
The recipient quietly gets on with tasks at hand but when required can make herself be heard. Her tenacity and grit are qualities that ensure success. She has approached all of their time in Great Crosby with a kind heart and a willingness to be everyone’s friend. She has the courage to be herself and to accept others for who they are. The recipient digs deep when times are hard and when the going gets tough, she certainly gets going. Her resilience and positive attitude will ensure she continues to shine brightly. We know you are capable of achieving great things. It is with great pleasure that this year’s Jack Riding Trophy is awarded to Grace Cain.
On the presentation day, we wore woolly hats in honour of Miss Bradley, to whom we were saying farewell on her retirement.
