St. Finian's Catholic Primary School

A PHILOSOPHY OF Sports for All

Sports co-ordinator: Mrs Stevens

Every child matters
Every child belongs
Every child can achieve

At St Finian’s, we believe that sport is for everyone. From football to netball, athletics to dance, we strive to create an environment where every child feels included, valued and inspired to take part, regardeless of ability or experience.

Through our sports programme, we celebrate children's effort and personal growth, building a sense of belonging and pride through their achievements.

We recognise that through sport, children develop:

Resilience and Determination – learning to overcome challenges and keep going when things get tough.
Teamwork and Leadership – understanding the value of working together and taking responsibility.
Confidence and Self-Esteem – celebrating effort and achievement, no matter the level.

"The inclusive sports environment at St. Finian’s has allowed my daughter to thrive. She feels included, capable, and valued - something that has had a profound impact on her confidence and well-being." School Parent, July 25

St. Finian’s Sports Offer

We offer an extensive programme of extra-curricular sports which has something for everyone.

Before the school day starts, on specific days, we offer a relaxed session of table tennis in our Community Room and also Cheer Leading in the school hall. Both are a chance for children to benefit from a positive, active start to the school day, particularly for those children who find the transition from home to school difficult.

Every day after school and on some weekends, our sports co-ordinator organises coaching opportunities, friendly matches and local competitions in a wide variety of sports: football, netball, hockey, rugby etc. Our partner schools amongst many others, include: Winchcombe, Francis Bailey, Spurcroft, Theale, Cold Ash St. Marks and Yattendon Primary. We have a long standing partnership with Bradfield Independent School who offer tennis and hockey to our KS2 children on Tuesdays. We also use Kennet School in Thatcham for regular multi-sports tournaments.

CELEBRATING OUR Sports Awards

1. Sportsmark Award

For the EIGHTH year running (2024-25), St. Finian's has received the prestigous Gold Sportsmark Award (Sports England and Youth Sports Trust). This award recognises those schools who show continued commitment to and development of whole school sport, offering opportunities for all.

Gold Sportsmark schools show exceptional achievement, excellent participation highly innovative sports schemes and outstanding progress in meeting their sporting aims.

We are very proud of this award, driven by the commitment of teachers, parents, coaches, volunteers and of course the enthusiasm and resilience of our children.

2.Fair Access Award

In Nov 2025, we were delighted to receive the Barclays Fair Access Award. This award celebrates and recognises St. Finian’s commitment to breaking barriers and promoting equality in sport; specifically this is through girls football opportunities.

Tailored Sports provision

We provide tailored sports events to meet the needs of all our children. In November '25 we ran our very own Alternative Olympics; including adapted activities to allow every child to shine and experience success in a supportive environment. We also provide opportunities to widen children’s experiences of inclusive sport, e.g. wheel-chair basketball.

Sports Leadership Programme

Pupils are encouraged to take on sports leadership roles, building confidence and developing a sense of achievement and pride. Former students come back to St. Finian’s on a regular basis to help run sports fixtures and events.

"Sports opportunities at St. Finian's have truly transformed my daughter. She started off unsure and not interested in sports, but over time she found her confidence, discovered her strengths, and developed a genuine love for being active and part of a team. The wide variety of sports gave her the chance to explore new activities we'd never have considered - and now, netball has become her passion." School Parent, July 25.

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Lunchtime sports clubs