Another exciting week of Sportshall Athletics qualifiers has come to a close, with 1,206 young athletes competing in a series of fun and exciting track and field events across four venues. The competition saw school teams from across the capital battling it out in thrilling relay races, jumps, and throws. Teams aimed to secure their spot in the London Youth Games Sportshall Athletics Finals, set to take place on Tuesday 18th March 2025 at Redbridge Sports Centre.

Over 1,206 participants representing 80 schools took to the arenas, showcasing their speed, strength, and teamwork. The competition kicked off at Redbridge Sports Centre on the first day, followed by Harrow Leisure Centre on the second. Osterley Sports Centre hosted the third day of action, before the final qualifying day took place at Westcroft Leisure Centre.

The Sportshall Athletics event featured competitions for Year 5/6 Mixed, Year 7 Girls, and Year 7 Boys categories, with each team consisting up to 15 young people. Participants took part in up to two track and two field events, demonstrating their skills in fast-paced relays like the 1+1 Lap Relay, 2+2 Lap Relay, and 6 Lap Paarlauf, as well as obstacle challenges. Field events tested power and technique through activities like the Chest Push, Standing Triple Jump, Soft Javelin, Speed Bounce, Standing Long Jump, and Vertical Jump.

Miss Walter, Croydon teacher said “Today has been highly competitive There have been two out of the group haven’t got much confidence and today they have stepped up outside their comfort zone and loved it.”

Mr Green, Bexley teacher said: “Today was unbelievably fun I have a child who came from Congo and had no friends but really excels in sports and now this has helped him to find confidence in schoolwork and socially.”

The competitions generated high levels of excitement, with twelve schools securing their place in the Finals. Congratulations to the following schools who will advance to the Finals:

Year 7 Girls Qualifiers:

• Coopers School, Havering
• St Angela Urseline School, Newham
• Riverside School, Barking & Dagenham
• St Thomas More School, Haringey
• North London Collegiate School, Harrow
• Douay Martyrs School, Hillingdon
• Godolphin & Latymer School, Hammersmith & Fulham
• St Cecilia’s School, Wandsworth
• Gumley House School, Hounslow
• Darrick Wood School, Bromley
• St Catherine’s School, Bexley
• Croydon High School, Croydon

Year 7 Boys Qualifiers:

• Redden Court School, Havering
• Riverside School, Barking & Dagenham
• Paul’s School, Greenwich
• St George’s School, Westminster
• St Mary Magdalene School, Islington
• St Thomas More School, Haringey
• Ealing Fields School, Ealing
• Graveney School, Wandsworth
• Isleworth and Syon School, Hounslow
• Wallington Grammar School, Sutton
• Kingsdale School, Southwark
• Harris City Academy School, Croydon

Year 5/6 Mixed

• Edwards School, Newham
• Augustines School, Redbridge
• Beam Primary School, Barking & Dagenham
• Lady Bankes School, Hillingdon
• West Lodge School, Harrow
• Coldfall School, Haringey
• Little Ealing School, Ealing
• Ravenstone School, Wandsworth
• Granton Primary School, Lambeth
• Harris Garrard Academy School, Bexley
• Canonbury Primary School, Islington
• Selsdon Primary School, Croydon

Thank you to Graeme Allan, Heilan Heavy for directing the competition, ensuring the week ran smoothly and professionally. Thank you to the LYG Volunteers, LYG33 and GamesForce Teams Young Leaders for brilliantly supporting the young athletes. A big thank you also to the school staff and SGOs for making the regional events possible due to the events and preparation that has taken place in schools and boroughs prior to the regional LYG week.

Best of luck to all the teams heading to the Finals – we can’t wait to see you in action on 18th March!