sporting lyons - The John Lyon School

SPORTING LYONS
Summer/Autumn 2014
Sports News from The John Lyon School
Three Lyons on the Shirt
Welcome to the third edition of the Sporting Lyons. Sport and physical activity is vital to the development of young
people, fostering their physical, social and emotional health. The benefits of sport and physical activity reach far beyond
the impact on physical well-being, and the value of the educational benefits of such activity should not be underestimated. In fact, research tells us that being physically active enhances academic learning.
It has been a very busy and dynamic start on the sporting front at The John Lyon School. Not only have we had a greater
number of boys out training, developing their technique and skill, but we have also asked boys to critically reflect
on performance in far more detail, whether they win or lose. We have seen an increased number of sports/activities
offered to our boys, with new sports such as Polo now added to the Sixth-Form games options. Senior sport continues
to go from strength to strength with over 230 boys participating in 12 different sports/activities. Our 1st XI footballers
are competing against high calibre footballing schools; they were unbeaten in five matches and recently defeated the
Corinthian Causals 2-1.Our Juniors, Years 7-10, regularly have over 350 boys active, with 240 playing competitive sport
and a further 110 boys involved in physical activity. Both groups are participating with enthusiasm and endeavour to
learn, with this terms highlights being our U15 footballers reaching the last 16 of ISFA National Cup, and the inspirational
talk from specialist sports motivational speaker Jeff Grout. I hope you enjoy this Term’s edition and join us in celebrating
all of our boys’ achievements and the exciting opportunities on offer at The John Lyon School.
Mr Kevin Paradise, Director of Sport
In this Issue
Football
Football
Cricket
House System
Meet the Lyonian
St George’s Park Trip
Mid-Season Report
Winter Training
Update
Inter-House Cross
Country
Football Player Keval
Trip to St George’s Park
report by Mr Rice
Following a successful end to the
2013/2014 football season, Mr
Broughton and Mr Rice took a
strong 1st XI training squad to
the ‘Home of English Football’
for pre-season training to prepare
the boys for the new season. The
£105m Sports facility, set across
330-acres of the Staffordshire
countryside, has 11 outdoor
pitches, including an exact
replica of the Wembley Stadium
surface, a full-size indoor 3G
pitch,
rehabilitation/sports
science suite and an indoor Futsal
sports hall, providing worldclass facilities for 24 of England’s
National teams. Upon arrival
at St. George’s Park, the boys
were given the full professional
footballer experience, starting
with a healthy lunch in the main
restaurant and a chance meeting with none other than Arsenal and England Midfielder Jack Wilshere.
Following Lunch, boys were given their first taste of football at St. George’s Park by training on the David Beckham
3G Astro-Turf, less than 50 metres away from the England U19 team being trained by former Manchester United and
Everton midfielder, Phil Neville. The two hour training session looked to incorporate the new training ethos introduced
this year, which revolves around good quality possession and hard work without the ball. Mr Rice led the warm up
which incorporated a number of Speed, Agility and Quickness (SAQ) drills, which was swiftly followed by a technical
session from Mr Broughton looking at attack vs. defence in preparation for Saturday’s friendly against Latymer Upper
School.
After training, the boys were given a couple of hours’ rest time in their Hilton hotel rooms before re-joining the team
in the main restaurant for a healthy buffet dinner. Once all the boys had finished eating, along with the staff, boys were
invited to participate in a sports quiz put on by tour operator Inspire Sport. The quiz was made up of three rounds
including rounds on club kits, international kits,
and general sporting knowledge. Needless to
say, this quiz fast became competitive, with the
chase to have the best name almost as important
as winning the whole competition! After a
well fought quiz, the winners were awarded the
honours of the best team, however I think many
of the boys will still be arguing over which chess
piece is the most valuable (Queen or King).
The following morning started with an official
tour of St. George’s Park, where the boys were
given the chance to walk around the whole
complex under the guidance of an FA official.
The tour began within the main building of
the complex, with all the boys walking past the
England National Team Hotel which was lined
with pictures of famous FA Cup and International
First XI Squad
Alexander Aristides (Captain)
Keval Patel
Alistair Halpenny
Jack Ireland
Thomas Marshall
Lewis Wrench
Mitchell Hopson
Robert Gibbons
Amarath Balamurali
Neel Bhalla
KJ Elegbede
Jeevan Sharma
Madhav Radia
Jake Lamour-Johnson
Lathoosan Jeyathevan
matches. The tour then moved on to the indoor 3G Astro-Turf stadium, which has
recently been given UEFA accreditation and can be used in competitions such as the
UEFA Champions League. Alongside the 3G pitch is the FA’s indoor running track,
utilised for Strength and Conditioning practices, whilst further on in the tour, the boys
were also shown the new Hydrotherapy Suite and the Sports Science laboratories.
Following the tour of the park, boys began their ‘Train like a Professional’ day, which
started with a 2 hour training session with one of St George’s Park’s resident FA coaches.
Following a warm up of technique based activities, the session was based around the
topic ‘attacking space in the opposite channel’. The session was very well put together
and I’m sure the boys would have taken away a lot of fresh ideas going into the new
season. After the session, the boys had lunch before beginning the afternoon’s Strength
and Conditioning session, hosted by the park’s resident Sport Scientists on the FA’s
indoor running track. The session involved a series of dynamic movements and SAQ
work, whilst also looking at running technique and acceleration. Although it was a very
hard, thought-provoking session for the boys, the information they would have gained
will be invaluable for their future sporting aspirations.
The day ended with a hydrotherapy session in the brand new multi-million pound
Variopool, which is used by all England International squads for recovery after
training/matches. After the intense training day, the boys really enjoyed using these
Hassan Al-Quraini
facilities to relax their muscles ready for the journey home. The most popular facility
amongst the boys within the hydrotherapy suite was the contrast bathing facility used
for aquatic injury rehabilitation, a technique that has received much support in Sport Science literature in recent years.
This involved boys spending designated time periods within different temperatures of water in order to enhance muscle
recovery post-training.
First XI versus Corinthian Casuals
Edited report by Alex Aristides
On Saturday 22nd November, The John
Lyon 1st XI locked horns with Corinthian
Casuals. In a fixture steeped in history
and prestige, the Lyons were eager to
put on an impressive display. They did
not disappoint. A scintillating display
of counter attacking football resulted in
a first half goal from Robert Gibbons.
However, against a team whose patient
possession style often wears opponents
down, John Lyon had to remain focused
and continue to defend compactly. They
managed to execute this perfectly, and
had it not been for a series of spurned
chances, could have gone into the halftime break more than 1-0 to the good.
The second half began in a similar fashion,
but when a 25 yard strike from the opposition looked destined to hit the back of the net, Tom Marshall saved the day
with an astonishing goal line clearance. Of course, Corinthian Casuals would then go on to equalise from the subsequent
corner! At 1-1, with 15 minutes remaining, the Lyons did not falter. As the Casuals pushed on, both figuratively and
literally, for a winner, John Lyon gave as good as they got. Indeed, after a slick passing move, Jake Lamour-Johnson
emphatically thumped home the winner. The ensuing scenes of euphoria reflect the desire of the team to succeed, but
the work was not over yet. Five more minutes of highly organised defensive solidity were enough to claim an impressive
win, and with six victories in the past seven games, it seems that the First Eleven is going from strength to strength.
Mid-Season Football Reports
Report by the PE Department
First XI Report
Report by Mr Rice
Following the successful pre-season tour of
St George’s Park, The John Lyon School 1st
XI football team started the season brilliantly,
with a hard fought draw against Latymer Upper
School, and an impressive run in the ISFA
Sixes competition in Chigwell. Unfortunately,
despite this promising start, the boys were
unable to progress in the ISFA cup, losing 2-0
to Birkdale School, which on another day,
could easily have gone the other way. Following
this defeat, the boys have responded brilliantly,
losing just twice in their last ten matches,
scoring an impressive 24 goals and securing
victories against schools such as Westminster,
Harrodian and St. Ignatius College. Both Mr.
Broughton and I would like to commend
all the boys on the excellent teamwork and
professionalism they have shown over the
term, with training and recovery sessions
having been well attended. Furthermore, we would like to give a special mention to Jake Lamour-Johnson, whose work
rate and commitment to the team has really driven the team on from the centre of midfield.
Second XI Report
Report by Mr Henry
The first half of the 2nd XI’s season has been a transitional one, with an impetus on mirroring the formation and style of
play set by the Director of Sport across all John Lyon teams. It has seen great development in terms of learning the duties
and responsibilities each player must fulfil as part of their role in their respective units and as a squad on the whole.
There has been many moments of fantastic football, played in the right spirit. I am very pleased with the progress this
team has made so far this season and I look forward to seeing the boys develop even more over the rest of the season
and beyond. Whilst every player has given an excellent account of themselves, from our fearless captain Niall O’Connell,
who has always led the team well; to the ever improving Josh Cuttica, who excels at left back; and the tireless Hassan AlQuraini, who does endless running for sometimes no reward causing plenty of panic in every defence he faces; I must
give a special mention to Sam Clague, who having
Football Team Statistics
joined us a few games into the season following a
rib injury, has been an absolute rock at the back
Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goals Win %
preventing countless goal-scoring chances.
First XI
16
8
2
6
33
50
Second XI
13
2
2
9
19
15
Third XI Report
Third XI
7
4
0
3
19
57
Report by Mr Pepperman
U15A
15
5
4
6
27
33
The Mighty Thirds have had a ‘down’ and then
U14A
13
2
2
9
21
15
very much ‘up’ season thus far. After a slow start
U13A
10
2
2
6
12
20
in September, a period of focused and hard work
U12A
12
6
3
3
42
50
at training has seen the boys gel into a well-oiled
machine, playing good, organised football. And
it has taught them to win. Four wins in a row against Chigwell (6-1), Aldenham (2-1), Ibstock Place (6-3) and the
Harrodian School (4-1) have been just deserts for the hard work put in and put the boys in a position to have a winning
season. The team is made up of a great blend of Year 11s and Sixth Formers who have defended bravely, while attacking
with speed and precision. It has been most pleasing to see Third Team players pushing for and getting places in the
Seconds as the boys get increasingly competitive and the squad expands with growing completion for places.
U15A Report
Report by Mr Jones
The Under 15s have had a fantastic season. Their enthusiasm
and dedication to work hard for each other on the pitch has
resulted in a number of impressive results and performances.
The highlight of the season so far has been the run to the ISFA
Cup last 16, where the boys recorded wins over KES Witley
(1-0 after extra time) and the impressive 6-4 defeat of the Royal
Russell School. These results, combined with other notable
victories over Westminster, Harrodian, Chigwell, and their
superb cup run to semi-finals of the prestigious 6 a side Ibstock
Place tournament, has made for a very exciting season for the
Under 15s. Top scorer and free kick specialist Mutazz Oshodi,
Munthir Alzarrad and Charlie Thomson have all been outstanding over the course of the season. The team should be
rightly proud of their exploits.
U14A Report
Report by Mr Ling
There has been a noticeable improvement in the playing performance of the Under 14 squad since the start of the season
with some promising displays already against challenging opposition. The addition of four new talents in the form of
Jordan Cordice, Zeeshan Mahmood, Jerome Robinson and Sam Thornton, have helped to strengthen the team further.
There have been a number of noteworthy performances already against Chigwell, Forest, St Ignatius and victory in the
first round of the Middlesex cup to name but a few. Our midfield duo of Dunni Oluwayemi and Edward Davey provide
the catalyst game after game, but the exceptional attitude of all 14 players is also a factor in our team’s new found success.
Six of the team have already opened their goal scoring accounts; Jonathan Abraha and Zeeshan Mahmood currently
leading the way. With over half the season left, there is still much more to come from this promising Under 14 squad.
U13A Report
Report by Mr Paradise
The U13A Football team have continued to make good progress and grow in confidence as the football season has
progressed. The boys have gone from heavy defeats last year to becoming far more competitive; in fact they have drawn
their last two games against Hampton and Highgate. This has been achieved by further dedication, effort to training,
application and understanding during match play. My message to the boys is always that improvements will be made if
you work hard, show dedication and determination whether you win or lose. Most importantly can we step off the field
and be proud to say that we gave the best of ourselves to the task.
U12A Report
Report by Mr Peploe
The U12A football team have made a fantastic start to sporting
life, with the boys putting in some promising displays already
against some very challenging opposition. The U12A’s currently
hold the mantle of the best performing side in the School, only
losing three of their 12 games so far, scoring an unbelievable 42
goals in the process. There have been a number of noteworthy
individual performances over the twelve games, including
Miguel Azeez’s double hat-trick against Highgate, and Folu
Saka’s inspirational performance against Royal Russell in the
ISFA Cup to name just a few. With over half the season left, this
should be a very exciting season for the U12As.
Inter-House Cross Country
Report by Mr Rice
On a rather cold but dry afternoon, this year’s cross country took place in
the delightful surroundings of Harrow School. For many of the School’s
new students, this was their first experience of a major House event. The
Sixth Formers were the first to race with the runners quickly spreading
out along the course. Early favourites and last year’s Champions Robert
Gibbons (Seniors) and Butler’s Davin McAndrew (Colts) headed straight
for the front and never looked back. After a titanic battle throughout
the race, Robert managed to open up an unassailable lead over his rival
coming down the final stretch, ensuring the first victory of the afternoon
for Norwood. Other notable performances included ten top 20 finishers
from the 1st XI Football Team, and Shahbaz Ahmad, who managed to
complete the course for his house as part of his continued recovery from
a serious knee injury earlier this term.
The second race of the day was the Colts race, which saw over 100
runners take part in what was an enthralling encounter between some
of the School’s elite track and field athletes. Track specialists Alistair
Halpenny and Thomas Salter were the early favourites, with a number of the 2nd XI and U15A football players also in
with a chance of glory. The race began at a very quick pace,
with no surprise that the early favourites were leading the
way, both eyeing victory for their respective houses. After a
very competitive race, Alistair just edged out Thomas in the
final few metres to secure the all-important victory for Moore
house, with Lathoosan Jeyathevan completing the top three
places.
The third race of the afternoon was the Junior race, which
saw a total of 127 runners take part in one of the closest ever
finishes. Much of the pre-race talk focused around Norwood’s
Gabriel van Jaarsveldt and Vaughan’s Sam Thornton, both of
whom had strong credentials leading into the race, however,
with a number of U14A footballers and track athletes in
the field, the Juniors race made for an exciting afternoon of
distance running. After a fast start
the runners were quickly spread
out along the course, with the early
favourites amongst the leading
pack. As the pace quickened,
the leading group began to tire,
allowing Gabriel and Sam to make
a break for victory. With both boys
sprinting for the line, it was anyone’s
race, however at the last moment
Sam dug deep and found just that
little bit extra to secure Vaughan’s
first victory of the day.
Cross Country Results
Oldfield
Colts
First: Koen Philippa-Gradillas
Second: Thomas Ribeiro-Saliba
Third: Edward Gagea
First: Alistair Halpenny
Second: Tom Salter
Third: Lathoosan Jeyathevan
Juniors
Seniors
First: Sam Thornton
Second: Gabriel van Jaarsveldt
Third: Edward Davey
First: Robert Gibbons
Second: Davin McAndrew
Third: Remy McAllister
Finally the Year 7 (Oldfield) saw a traditional fast start. However, it was Norwood
who would be celebrating at the end, claiming an impressive six of the top ten
positions and the team prize. Butler’s Koen Philippa-Gradillas showed the quickest
turn of pace over the now muddy course to claim victory, closely followed by
Norwood’s Thomas Ribeiro-Saliba and Butler’s Eduard Gagea.
On behalf of all the boys who took part on the day, a huge thank you must go to Mr
Jones for organising such a fantastic event and to Harrow School for continuing to
allow us to utilise their first-class facilities for our Inter-House Cross Country.
Inter-House Competition Update
Report by Mr Rice
The Inter-House Cross-Country is just one of many events that the boys compete in as part of the School’s Inter-House
competition. Made up of 4 houses (Butler, Moore, Norwood & Vaughan), the Inter-House competition gives the boys the
opportunity to participate in a range of sport and extra-curricular activities including football, badminton, singing and
cross-country. These activities provide a great opportunity for the boys to develop their leadership and organisational
skills, whilst also providing them with opportunities to excel both inside and outside of the classroom.
Autumn Term House Results (2014)
Event
Butler
Moore
Norwood
Vaughan
Junior Badminton
3rd
2nd
4th
1st
Colts Basketball
1st
3rd
4th
2nd
Junior Basketball
3rd
2nd
4th
1st
Senior Basketball
4th
1st
3rd
2nd
Squash
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
For all the latest news, updates and scores for The John Lyon School House Competition,
follow us on Twitter @jlshousesystem
Cricket Week
Edited Report by Rhys Benjamin
At the end of the Summer Term, The John
Lyon School organised a “cricket week”,
with the 1st XI playing five fixtures in the
space of seven days.
The first game took place at Reading Blue
Coat School. Tom Marshall, a resourceful
cricketer, made 59, with Josh Banks
weighing in with 31 as John Lyon hit 1977 from their 35 overs. Reading faltered
in their run chase to begin, with Aaryan
Devani reducing Reading to 27-2, before
Tom Marshall added insult to injury by
taking a crucial wicket to leave Reading
at 50-3. However, a partnership of 72
between N. Shaw and J. Kirkwood gave
Reading hope, and by the time Shaw was removed at 112-4, the game
hung in the balance. Kirkwood was still in by the time Reading reached
159-6, and he was able to guide them to victory in the penultimate over
by four wickets.
Two days later, the squad reconvened at Sudbury to play their annual
fixture against the Marylebone Cricket Club, commonly referred to as the
MCC. Despite 59 for Old Lyonian Scott Wilsher, the MCC were reduced
by Tom Marshall and Neerav Trivedi to 169-9, with the MCC losing 7
wickets for just 77 runs. However, A Howorth and M Cooke were able
to rescue some pride for the MCC and they declared after 48 overs on 208-9. John Lyon started safely before the early
wicket of Seerone Kandasamy at 7-1 proved to be only the start of what was to come. From 19-2, John Lyon quickly
found themselves at 20-6. Marcus Tighe
long-handled his way to 4 before being
clean bowled and John Lyon were into
First XI Squad
Neerav Trivedi
the tail, with the score at just 26-7.
Dishanth Satkunarajah
Shahbaz Ahmad and Madhav Radia put
Thomas Marshall (Captain)
on 19 for the eighth wicket and gave
Seerone Kandasamy
Jake Lamour-Johnson
John Lyon hope that they would be able
Shahbaz Ahmad
Dilshan Peerez
to salvage a draw, but the damage was
Aaryan Devani
done. The MCC quickly mopped up the
Kellan Ghelani
tail and John Lyon had been bowled out
Marcus Tighe
Harsh Talati
for 55, giving the MCC a 153 run victory.
Two days later, the School was to play
against The Forty Club. In stark contrast to Monday’s bowlers’ pitch, the wicket was a batsman’s paradise – and so it
proved, with The Forty Club putting on 74 for the fifth wicket. The afternoon session was defined by a catch that will live
long in the memory of anyone who witnessed it from Marcus Tighe, diving at full stretch to somehow wrap his fingers
around the ball. However, The Forty Club declared shortly after tea at 156-7. John Lyon went in to bat. Jake LamourJohnson knew he needed a good innings, having only averaged 8 up until that point. He silenced his critics with an
emphatic 59, featuring a partnership worth 121 with Tom Marshall, who himself hit a meaty 55. That took the game
away from The Forty Club and it was left to Seerone Kandasamy and Marcus Tighe to knock off the required total as
John Lyon rang out deserved victors by seven wickets.
The next day, the School played a semi-final in a Twenty20 cup competition against Saint Benedict’s. Fatigue was, by
now, setting in, with John Lyon only managing to make 105-7 off their 20 overs with only three people managing double
figures (Harsh Talati 27, Seerone Kandasamy 26, Tom Marshall 21). Saint Benedict’s never looked like losing and they
ran out a comfortable nine-wicket victors.
The John Lyon School were then treated the next day to a touring Australian team from Sydney: Knox. John Lyon
performed extremely well considering their fatigue levels, but one big partnership put the match in the balance over the
40 overs. M. Turner and W. Graham made an incredible 78 for the seventh wicket, leaving Knox with a score of 187-7
from their 40 overs. John Lyon went in to bat, chasing for the fourth time in seven days, but fatigue had set in and they
collapsed to 94 all out, giving Knox an 87 run victory.
Cricket week was extremely entertaining, with so many close matches being played against such good teams. It was a
week that the squads up and down the School relished and a week that the squads will be looking forward to next year.
Winter Cricket Update
Report by Mr Ling
Winter preparations are already well underway for the 2015 Summer Cricket
season. Year 7 and 9 trials are currently ongoing and there are a number of
boys who have shown promise with both bat and ball. The 1st XI are also
showing encouraging signs, with a few Year 11 boys already looking likely
to gain a regular starting place in April. Training for our Elite squad, which
include our most promising cricketers from Year 9 through to Upper Sixth
has been extremely well received, all supported once again by our coaches
Chris Peploe and Leigh Parry. The much anticipated tour of South Africa
at Easter 2016 is soon to be promoted to boys in Year 8 and 9 and will once
again promise to be an excellent addition to the cricketing calendar.
Not just Mathematics!
Report by Mr McNaughton, Teacher of Mathematics
From a young age I have always been an active person and found myself
playing for a different club each night of the week. In primary school, at
one stage, I was playing Ice Hockey and Roller Hockey for 2 teams and
Judo for 2 clubs. Weekends were always an interesting time, and it is only
now that I appreciate all the lifts my parents gave me over the years.
I started my skating from a young age and joined the local team, Slough Jets
U12, alongside learning figure skating - yes that is dancing on ice, and no,
I did not wear any of the skin tight, sequined outfits! Many hockey players
did this to improve their skating. I also joined the local Roller Hockey club,
Evreham Eagles, being captain of the 1st U12 team and also playing in their U14s at the same time.
From the age of 12 I began dinghy sailing, competing at club level and securing a club championship in my class against
approximately 30 other sailors. By the time I was 14 I took part in my first national race, ‘The Topper Open event’. I
had never sailed a ‘Topper’ before and I found them to be boats with many flaws - an opinion which definitely did not
derive from the fact I finished mid-fleet and could not get the boat to do what I wanted it to! I continued to sail through
my university years and sailed in the First team. Alongside this I trained as an instructor and now an Advanced Senior
Instructor. I often run courses for adults and children.
Also at 14 I tried Windsurfing and have been hooked ever since. From racing to freestyle, to wave riding, there is
something for everyone. My biggest achievement in windsurfing would have to be winning a silver medal in the finals
of University Nationals hosted by Southampton University, though my personal highlight within windsurfing is simply
getting out on the water practising jumps or riding waves on the coast. Another highlight would have to be the times I
venture out on the water in extremely windy conditions (50mph+).
Finally, I compete in the annual Cowes Week yachting races at the Isle of Wight where up to 1,000 yachts are racing.
Last year with an undermanned crew we finished 4th out of a total of 25 in our class. My advice to everyone is to try any
new sport/activity that you have the opportunity to do, as you may be surprised where it takes you. If you find a sport
or hobby that you enjoy the thrill of winning then excellent - keep at it. If you find something that you enjoy, even if just
taking part, then never give it up!
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Polo
Report by Mr Fernando
The John Lyon Polo Club is the newest addition to the School’s sporting
activities. After an oversubscribed taster session in October, it was decided
that the Club would be a welcome addition to the games programme at the
School. The first session saw boys who have ridden horses introduced to
cantering and scoring goals in the Chukkas. The Club will soon be playing
fixtures and we hope to enter the Schools Tournament in the Spring and
Summer months. The Club is open to all levels of players from Year 10
onwards and will play every Tuesday after school at the High Wycombe
Polo Club (Greenpoint). We will also be working closely with the Harrow
School Polo Team moving forward.
Badminton
Report by Mr Rice
After completing the U14 and U16 double at the
Badminton Borough Championships last season,
this season’s badminton teams have had a lot to live
up to, and they have not disappointed. The Year 9
Badminton team made an impressive start to their
Harrow Schools League campaign, with three recent
comprehensive victories against Salvatorian College
(6-1), Rooks Heath (7-0) and Park High School (70) stretching their unbeaten run to six games ahead
of their tough clash against Charterhouse School.
Despite a valiant display from the boys, victory against
Charterhouse only just eluded them; however, Mr
Parker was delighted with their display, and described
their performance as a credit to both themselves and
the School.
Motivational Speaker: Jeff Grout
Report by Mr Rice
On 17th November, the School was pleased to welcome motivational guest speaker Jeff
Grout to speak to the boys in how to attain peak performance and leadership within
their sport. There was an excellent attendance for what was a truly inspirational
evening, enjoyed by all. Jeff Grout, author of Mind Games, discussed the psychology
of peak performance and examined how sporting champions prepare and perform;
giving a fantastic insight into the level of dedication that is required for sportsmen/
women to achieve their dreams and aspirations. Furthermore, the presentation also
looked at the School’s new sporting ethos of increasing sport participation, whilst
also encouraging greater focus, hard-work and self-awareness during competitive
fixtures. On behalf of the School, we would like to thank Jeff for coming in to speak
to us, and I am sure all the boys found the talk both enlightening and inspiring.
Meet the Lyonian
In this edition of Sporting Lyons, we catch up with Young Stevenage Stopper, Keval.
Sporting Lyons: How did you get into football?
Keval: I started playing football at the age of 9 at a local football
club. As a team we played very few matches and I was missing the
opportunity to compete. I never took losing well so my dad suggested I
join a club my friends were signed to, called Harrow St Mary’s. I began
as a centre forward but could not get into the A team as all the players
were on the books at professional clubs. My dad then recommended
I play in goal for the B team, as he too had been a goalkeeper and had
played for his University. I trained with him at my local park down
and he taught me everything I know. I just enjoyed getting muddy
and throwing myself about. I played in a friendly match against Mill
Hill where scouts from Chelsea mistook me for the A team goalkeeper
who was already signed with the club. When they found out I was not
who they thought I was, they invited me for a trial at their Cobham
training ground, and since then, I never looked back.
SL: What is your training schedule like?
K: I try to train everyday as the professionals do at most clubs, but being in full
time education, it is not always possible. I normally manage to train Mondays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Mondays, I train after school at Sudbury
which is exciting after the weekend because I can play football with friends but
still be competitive. Normally after training at School I may do something cardio
based after the weekend, usually a run if I am not too tired. I take Tuesdays off to
recover and on Wednesday evenings I train with the first team goalkeeper coach
at Fulham FC. Thursdays are normally gym sessions which involve lifting and
power based exercises. Fridays are part of my day release programme at Stevenage
FC where I am allowed time off School to train at the club. It is normally small
sided games and a very light session in preparation for Saturday’s game. Sundays
are a recovery day and involve ice baths, pool sessions and steam rooms after
Saturday’s game in order to be fit to train Monday.
SL: What is your biggest achievement in football so far?
K: I would have to say playing in the FA Youth cup against Wigan. I joined the
club in December which is relatively late on in the season. I was the youngest
player in the squad having just turned 16 and I had not trained with the U18’s at
the club yet. The 2nd year scholar at the time who is a very close friend of mine
picked up a back injury on the Thursday night, so I got called on the Friday
morning telling me to report in for training with the 18’s, with the view of playing
against Wigan the next day. Naturally I was nervous because the occasion was so
large and a win would mean we would play Barnsley at Oakwell in the Fourth
Round. We had a pre match meal at the team hotel and I was given detailed
instructions about the tactics to use. Physically, when I lined up in the tunnel, I
was not as muscular as some of the other players because they were grown men, I
was just a boy. Nevertheless, the back four looked after me throughout the game
and I received considerable support from the rest of the team and we ran out
2-1 winners, much to my happiness. Having said all of that, being called up to
sit on the bench for the first team was also a proud moment because that at the
end of the day is why everyone plays football at this level, and I am extremely
appreciative and grateful towards the School, PE department and academic staff
for supporting me on my journey.
Player Profile
Keval
Age: 18
Sport: Football
Club
Stevenage Football Club
Achievements
Twice on the bench for
Stevenage First Team
U18 ISFA South representative
Played at Academy Level for
Chelsea, Watford, Wycombe
Wanderers and Southampton,
making over 150 appearances.
2 appearances in the FA
Youth Cup (3rd Round vs.
Wigan Athletic; 4th Round vs.
Barnsley)
Trained with professional
goalkeepers such as Richard
Lee (previously at Watford),
Ben Foster (West Brom and
England), Jonathon Bond
(Watford), Han Segers
(Wimbledon) and Dave Beasant
(Wimbledon)
Welcome Mr Paradise!
Mr Kevin Paradise, our new Director of Sport, joins us after spending 9 years at Latymer
Upper School. He has been described by those who know him well as a ‘calming influence,
driven, and with very high standards’. He is a highly technical coach with a passion for
developing all. His vision is to take sport at The John Lyon School from strength to
strength competitively and to make sure that our boys have a life-long understanding/
passion of how sport and all forms of physical activity play such important role in physical
well-being; as well as enhances academic learning, whether on the sports field, on a court,
in a gymnasium or on an individualized programme. He is also a great believer that
the lesson we learn from being active, both individually and in a team environment,
teaches us something about ourselves. Hard work, perseverance, resilience and the ability
to learn from failure can arguably be considered the framework for our lives. All of these
are continually asked of us when we try to better ourselves and think about performance
and goal setting. Mr Paradise is thoroughly looking forward to the year ahead and hopes
to see many parents supporting the vision on the sideline.
The John Lyon Football Clinic
This October half term saw The John Lyon School introduce its first ever Holiday Football Clinic. With
Sudbury as its backdrop, over 25 boys were given the opportunity to train like professionals, with numerous
training sessions designed to improve their technical, tactical and physiological attributes. Furthermore, Mr
Paradise had arranged for expert talks on nutrition and Strength and Conditioning, to ensure all the boys left
the clinic with not only an enhanced repertoire of skills, but also a deeper understanding of the science behind
the beautiful game.
Sports Clubs
SATURDAY
FOOTBALL
Saturday All Day
Sudbury
SENIOR
FOOTBALL
Wednesday Afternoon
Sudbury
SENIOR
FOOTBALL
TRAINING
Monday After School
Sudbury
BADMINTON
Monday Lunchtime
Tuesday After School
Wednesday Before School
Sports Hall
Middle Road
Harrow on the Hill
Middlesex, HA2 0HN
Switchboard: 020 8515 9400
www.johnlyon.org
U15A & B
FOOTBALL
TRAINING
Thursday After School
Sudbury
U14A FOOTBALL
TRAINING
Thursday After School
Sudbury
U12/13 FOOTBALL
TRAINING
Tuesday Before School
Sports Hall
ELITE CRICKET
NETS
Friday Lunchtime
Cricket Nets
SENIOR CRICKET
NETS
Monday Lunchtime
Cricket Nets
NEW YEAR 9
CRICKET NETS
Wednesday Lunchtime
Cricket Nets
YEAR 7 CRICKET
NETS
Thursday Lunchtime
Cricket Nets
SIXTH FORM
FITNESS
Every Lunchtime
Fitness Studio
YEAR 10 FITNESS
Monday & Wednesday
Lunchtimes
Fitness Studio
TENNIS
Wednesday After School
Practice Pitch
TABLE TENNIS
Monday Before School
Sports Hall
SWIMMING
Monday, Tuesday &
Wednesday Lunchtimes
Swimming Pool
Year 10 RUGBY
Tuesday After School
Sudbury
U12/13
BASKETBALL
TRAINING
Wednesday Lunchtimes
Sports Hall
U14/15
BASKETBALL
TRAINING
Wednesday After School
Sports Hall
POLO
Tuesday After School
High Wycombe
RUGBY
Year 7 Activities
Sudbury