Over 100 schoolchildren have been introduced to Fives at a introductory session run by the Fives Federation at Shrewsbury House School, Surbiton, in South West London.
A chance conversation led to the discovery of two dormant courts at the school, and the RFA and EFA joined forces to run an introductory session on the unique courts. Believed to be old Bat Fives courts, they most resemble three-walled Rugby Fives courts, but with a higher bar. They are in good condition, having been refurbished some 18 months ago, and also act as the school's War Memorial.
During the session – which started with a demonstration match between RFA President Dick Warner and fellow RFA board member Andy Pringle – a constant stream of pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 played on the courts under the tutelage of Dick and the EFA's Howard Wiseman, and with Andy and former EFA Chairman Richard Barber looking on.
Also among those taking a keen interest were the school's Director of Sport, Billy Davison, who had organised the day, while the school's headmaster and the head of governors also came to watch. All agreed that it was great to see the courts being put to their intended use again, and the Federation is now in conversation as to how to build on the undoubted success of this session, hopefully leading to the incorporation of Fives into the games curriculum at the school.
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