World Cup Star Matt Dawson Opens Caterham School’s Sports Pavilion
World Cup winning England Rugby star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Matt Dawson MBE spent the day at Caterham School on Monday 27 November to officially open the School’s new sports pavilion.
The BBC Question of Sport captain met all Year 9 and 10 pupils with a special assembly during which Matt reviewed the highs and lows of his international career. He offered invaluable advice on combining study and training, plus how to cope with tough times and and success. Caterham School’s Sixth Form sportsmen and women enjoyed a dedicated session with Matt focusing on nutrition and maintaining peak performance.
Caterham School’s new facility is based at the school’s Hill Fields site and also provides a base for local sports clubs including Old Caterhamians Rugby Club and Caterham Cricket Club
On opening the new pavilion Matt Dawson said: “I have been incredibly impressed with the pupils I’ve met today and the fantastic facilities I’ve seen at Caterham. More than that, this new pavilion represents a unique link between the School and the local community, between school sport and club sport, which is fantastic and is to be encouraged.”
Guided by Year 7 pupils, Matt Dawson tried his hand at lacrosse and scored his first ever goal! Matt’s rapid progress was approved by England International and Caterham Head of Lacrosse Miss Jen Simpson. Posting a video of his first lacrosse goal on Twitter (@matt9dawson) Matt said: “Reckon I missed my vocation!”
Said Headmaster, Ceri Jones “Today has been a special day for all of us here, particularly the pupils and our sports staff, with the opening of our fantastic new pavilion. We are incredibly lucky to benefit from superb sports facilities and grounds both at the main school campus and at Hill Fields.
Our new pavilion and upgraded pitches are wonderful for the School, but the most important aspect is what the regeneration of Hill Fields has already begun to do for the local community – notably the town’s rugby, cricket and lacrosse clubs.”
