Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) pupils began their preparations for what will be a busy season by taking part in interactive classes run by Lee Hurford Boxing and Fitness Academy. 

The visit by the Dubai-based company last week coincided with the start of DESS’ Health Related Fitness Unit curriculum and saw more than 500 children aged between seven and 11 work out with Hurford himself.

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Among the activities the pupils took part in was a fitness and cardio session, boxing stance and technique demonstrations and fun excercises to help improve their strength and conditioning.

It was not a surprise to see many youngsters embrace the opportunity with eight-year-old Vaughan Dingle, saying: “It was really fun.  I liked learning how to box and all the fitness activities really made me sweat. I felt really good afterwards.”

The school is hoping the classes, held four times last week, will give them an advantage this term with football, netball, swimming, rugby, athletics, basketball and cricket all on the calendar for this season.

Following the success, Max Lohe, director of sport at DESS said there will be more opportunities for children to work with Hurford.

“The children really enjoyed the sessions,” he said.

“It was a new experience for many of them and there were so many positive comments from the children afterwards. 

“We are really looking forward to having Lee work with the children at DESS throughout the year to improve their strength and fitness.”  

Big numbers for the new season
There were no shortage of players as a record number of pupils attended Brighton College’s sports trials for the new upcoming season.

Held over four days, more than 65 per cent of pupils of the Abu Dhabi-based school showcased their talent in various sports including football, netball, swimming and touch rugby in their bid to seal a squad place for the new campaign.

Trials included drills, skill development and match-game situations in football and netball, while swimmers were assessed on their times.

Coaches were hugely impressed by what they saw and have even formed a ‘C’ team in some sports, in addition to their ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides.

“We have been really encouraged by the number of children which turned up for the sports trials,” said Simon Crane, deputy head (co-curricular) at Brighton College Abu Dhabi.

“We had a record turn-out which is great as the children are really eager to play.

“In our Under-12s boys trials, more than 50 children attended and have formed a ‘C’ team in some sports as we don’t want to cut so many children.”

From this week, pupils will begin their training for the new season, which begins on September 27.

“It’s going to be very competitive and I think we’ll be in store for another competitive and successful season in all sports,” said Crane.