Dulwich Prep London

Lorcan O’Brien, Director of Sport at Dulwich Prep London has kindly written this fantastic guide to help you with the return to school sport.

Return to sport advice - ‘Tools for the toolbox - become a young tradesman/woman’

Moving out of lockdown is never easy for any school or sport departments. I’m sure it's the same for many pupils reading this. Excitingly, sport is beginning to get moving again, with the club scene busier than ever. Many of our own pupils here at Dulwich Prep, London can’t wait to get back to school sport. But, some are nervous, some are unsure of what lies ahead, some are keen to start playing fixtures, some aren't and some are a little worried about how it’s all going to work!

Over the next few weeks, I’d like you to try a few simple habits and develop some tools which will help you on your sporting journey.

Take responsibility - Take ownership of the small things - be responsible for yourself. Pack your own bag, organise your own games kit/uniform the night before, check the times of your training sessions, know your school timetable, make other people's lives easier. Essentially, don't wait to be told, find out first for yourself. Building resilience is a life skill. But, resilience will only grow with responsibility, so be responsible!

Get comfortable being uncomfortable - Your sports programme at school might look and feel different. You may be asked to try new skills or activities, do things you don't normally do, play with a different group of pupils, arrive at school in your uniform or games kit. Effectively, you may be out of your comfort zone. You should embrace it. So, at the end of each day, tell your mum, dad or teacher one thing you did where you were out of your comfort zone. It will help you grow!

Find your golden thread - Your golden thread makes you who you are - the values which define you. These stem from your identity, which can stem from your family - mum or dad. Write two key words which define you. Then think of why you choose those words. Then, try to bring them to life in school or on the sports field. To help, here’s one of mine;

Work ethic; My parents and grandparents were builders and farmers, they had to work very hard to survive and provide for us. They were proud of it.

Applying that; Whether I’m playing well or badly, winning or losing, I make sure that when I leave the field of play (or classroom) I’ve worked as hard as I possibly can.

Finally, my own PE teacher at school once said to me, ‘Kindness is the best currency you will ever have’. He was right. Be kind to each other and have a great term!