On Friday 27th June, the OAKS Hall was filled with pride and celebration as AKS hosted its annual Sports Presentation Evening—a highlight of the school year that underscores just how central sport is to life at AKS.
Richard Chadwick, who joined AKS in September as Director of Sport, opened the evening by welcoming students, staff, parents and guests. With over 300 in attendance, the evening marked a powerful celebration of the school’s sporting journey. In his speech, he shared the values that underpin the school’s sporting culture:
"Tonight is not just about trophies - it is about the resilience, teamwork and spirit that define sport at AKS. From my first day, I have been struck by the passion and unity across our community. Sport here builds more than skills; it shapes character. It is about early starts, muddy kit and learning to dig deep. Thank you to all the parents - your support helps shape not just athletes, but confident, resilient young people ready for life beyond the pitch."
AKS students led the evening with year 7 students Penny A, Amelie Y, Max D and Blake H who reflected on a year filled with development and discovery, highlighting key moments such as the Year 7 Rugby Tour to Llandudno and the Hockey Tour to Nottingham. They spoke of the sheer variety of opportunities and the outstanding support they received from the Sport and PE Department.
Sixth Form students Toby C, Alfie K, Dan M and Carly W delivered an entertaining and heartfelt account of their final sporting year at AKS. They celebrated achievements such as the First XV Rugby team becoming Lancashire School Cup Final winners, and reflected on the significance of the Senior Hockey Tour to South Africa and the excitement ahead of the upcoming Rugby Tour to Argentina.
Toby C summed up their shared message: “It was a privilege to reflect on the year and to wholeheartedly encourage every student to engage with sport during their time at AKS.”
The guest speaker for the evening was Scotty Cardle, a professional boxer born and raised in Lytham. A former British lightweight champion, Scotty inspired students with personal stories from his journey through elite sport, leaving a lasting message that "hard work beats talent when talent does not work."
Throughout the evening, students from across age groups were recognised for their outstanding performance, commitment and improvement across a wide range of sports including hockey, rugby, football, netball, cricket, athletics and tennis. The awards celebrated not just the standout individuals, but the team ethos and support structures that have helped every student grow through sport.
This vibrant sporting culture would not be possible without the collective efforts of the whole AKS community. Sincere thanks go to the entire Sport and PE team for their tireless energy and inspiration, as well as to the grounds team, catering staff, marketing department, support staff and of course the many coaches who make every fixture, tour and training session possible. A special thank you also goes to the parents, whose steadfast encouragement and support on the sidelines and behind the scenes help shape the experience of every young athlete.
A full list of award winners follows below:
Girls Hockey - Player of the Season
U12A – Penny A
U12B – Poppy W
U13A – Sadie A
U13B – Issy H
U14 – Camilla W and Lauren M
U15 – Anna V and Emily B
U16 – Ameila H and Sophia M
Senior – Jess A
Girls Hockey - Most Improved
U12A – Harriet B
U12B – Haylie Y
U13A – Charlotte R
U13B – Rosie B
U14 – Annie L and Kathryn S
U16 – Sophie S
Senior – Laura A
Boys Hockey – Player of the Season
U12 – William A
U13 – William V
U14 – Thomas C
Rugby – Player of the Season
U12A – Blake H
U12B – Fraser H
U13A – Harry S
U13B – Archie B
U14 – William H
U15 – Henry C
U16 – Ethan B
1st XV – Stan M
Rugby – Most Improved
U12A – Joseph L
U12B – Harry C
U13A – Stanford N
U13B – Harry W
U14 – Harry M
U15 – Finlay L
U16 – Xavier D
1st XV – Leo F
Rugby 7’s – Player of the Season
U12A – Max D
U13A – Will H
U14 – Tom C
U15 – Ray M
U16 – Zac L
Senior – Felix T
Netball – Player of the Season
U12A – Amelie Y
U12B – Neve A
U13A – Sophia T
U13B – Ilaria v
U14A – Lauren M
U15 – Sienna C
U16 – Hannah A
Netball – Most Improved
U12A – Arabella C
U12B – Lottie T
U13A – Faye J
U13B – Olivia C
U14A – Adrianna E
U15 – Hollie C
U16 – Niamh M
Girls Football – Player of the Season
U13 – Louisa B
U15 – Gabby H
Boys Football – Player of the Season
U12A – Joseph L
U12B – Ben M
U13A – Toby S
U13B – Freddie J
U14 – Teddy B
U15 – Ray N
1st XI – Dan M
Boys Football – Most Improved
U12A – James H
U12B – Jack L
U13A – Max M
U13B – Sam S
U14 – Isaac W
U15 – Ollie C
1st XI – Hayley H
Girls Athletics – Track Athlete of the Year
U12 – Grace W
U13 – Charlotte R
U14 – Elsie T
U15 – Olivia D
Girls Athletics – Field Athlete of the Year
U12 – Grace W
U13 – Sadie A
U14 – Natalie H
U15 – Anna V
Boys Athletics – Track Athlete of the Year
U12 – Dexter N
U13 – Raff L
U14 – Federico N
U15 – Matthew S
Boys Athletics – Field Athlete of the Year
U12 – Blake H
U13 – Jackson S
U14 – Harry M
U15 – Matthew S
Girls Cricket – Player of the Season
U12 – Penny A
U13 – Alyssa W
U14 – Aoife K
U15 – Megan F
Girls Cricket – Most Improved
U12 – Emily B
U13 – Isabella B
U14 – Connie F
U15 – Lujain R
Boys Cricket – Player of the Season
U12 – William A
U13 – Ruper W
U14 – Harry M
U15 – Archie J
1 XI – Toby C
Boys Cricket – Most Improved
U12 – Max V
U13 – Thomas H
U14 – Lukas M
U15 – Logan W
1 XI – Michael R
Girls Tennis – Player of the Year
U13 – Ameila C
U15 – Isabella S
Girls Tennis – Most Improved
U13 – Alyssa W
U15 – Esme M
Boys Tennis – Player of the Season
U13 – Ruben M
U15 – Sam B