Wilmslow High School have once again proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of school trampolining, with an unprecedented seven teams qualifying for the national finals in March this year.

Coaches Hilary Pemberton, Richard Price, Anna Cragg and Ruth Howard, along with PE teacher Huw Williams and officials Jack Griffiths-Jackson, Richard Downs, Ann Powell and Deirdre Smith, went to Robin Park, Wigan, for the Northern Finals of the National Schools Trampoline competition.

Amid great competition the 32 competitors bounced their way to success in an impressive Northern Finals round.

There were some tense moments with their rivals from Sheffield once again proving to be a tough opponent, but in the spirit of true sportsmanship, it was the Sheffield coach’s acknowledgment of just how well Wilmslow High School girls teams have advanced over the years that meant such a lot.

In the end, Wilmslow came second – sitting inbetween the first-placed Sheffield team and another Sheffield team who came in third place – and are hoping to build on this when it comes to the nailbiting conclusion in Birmingham later this year.

Wilmslow is now well known for its trampoline successes and this year the team spirit has been stronger than ever.

The girls’ teams have been fundraising for new leotards by selling doughnuts during school break and lunchtimes and there have been more parents signing up to help out than ever before.
Coach Hilary Pemberton told parents: “After the most amazing day in Wigan, it’s just about sunk in. I was bursting with pride for all the children.

“Every one of you must be extremely proud of this – to see [the pupils] achieve their goals.”

The successful Wilmslow teams were:

UNDER 13 BOYS NOVICE: Matt Graham, Ben Fazelynia, Conor Smith, Nathan Such, Jack Colledge

UNDER 15 BOYS NOVICE: Ben Vaughan, Will Cusworth, Thomas Jefferies, Ed Storer

UNDER 15 BOYS ELITE: Brendan Smith, Isaac Bass, Joe Nowland, Max Southerton, Paddy Draper

UNDER 19 BOYS NOVICE: Jonny Draper, Jordon Hough, Elliot Rowe, Callum Collinson

UNDER 19 BOYS ELITE: Will Powell, Ben Roberts, Matt Crawford, Oliver Ford

UNDER 15 GIRLS NOVICE: Elise Potter, Alice Du Fresne, Maisie Allison, Freya Morten–Smith, Issie Boxer

UNDER 19 GIRLS NOVICE: Sam Margetson, Sara Howells, Emma O’Brien, Charlotte O, Brien, Beth Norman