Links across school sport
HMC works with the RFU, ECB, Youth Sport Trust (YST) and Professional Association of Directors of Sport in Independent Schools (PADSIS) to enable member schools to access the most up to date information and provide valuable feedback to sporting National Governing Bodies. HMC is represented at governing body level at the FA, England Netball, ECB, British Rowing, RFU and at England Hockey.
We are strongly committed to supporting the RFU with developments designed to enhance player safety in rugby union in schools and to protect the future of the game. We also work on sustainable approaches that could be implemented in school sports – for example considering travel to fixtures. HMC is also focused on gender equity in sport, including promoting to partner uniform suppliers the need to offer female friendly and gender-neutral sports kits.
YST/HMC research projects
A joint research project by the YST and HMC examined the potential benefits and costs of participation in school sport. The findings showed the importance and usefulness of a balanced non-academic portfolio and the particular importance of sport for student wellbeing and character development.
In November 2023, HMC and YST launched a report about the he benefits of sport participation and physical activity in schools. The report highlights that sports participation in schools boosts wellbeing and mental toughness, says new study. The research study shows sports participation in school is associated with higher levels of wellbeing for young people. It also shows that participation in sport is a significant predictor of self-belief and mental toughness and the continued promotion of school sport throughout a child’s time at school, up to and including during exams, should be encouraged. Read the report.
Creating a safer world of sport – Podium Analytics project
HMC supports Podium Analytics – an NGO and charity committed to reducing the incidence and impact of sports injury in young people aged 11 to 18 years old – in working to create a safer world of sport.
Podium Analytics is bringing together the best minds in science, technology, academia, and sport to spearhead a new science-led, data-driven approach to addressing youth sports injury at a first of its kind Institute at the University of Oxford.
The work of Podium Analytics puts young people at the heart of research, shifting the traditional focus of sports injury research, which is principally adult-focused and based upon treatment, to preventative solutions looking at the causes of injury, designed for and proven at youth level.
Podium Analytics is working with schools to drive a new community and content hub across school and club sport, providing useful tools, tips and protocols to reduce injury in sport.
