Sport at Willow Park 1st Year

The essence of sport should be fun and camaraderie. The school pro-actively fosters such an approach whilst appreciating the competitive nature at the heart of many sporting activities.

A mature understanding of the tensions therein is required by coaches and parents alike. Young boys like to play and the green fields of the Campus provide space for our boys to express themselves in a myriad of ways.

 

Cognisant that development takes place over an extended period of time, and that during his time in Willow, a player/athlete will pass through a number of stages of development, the Willow approach is a long-term and reasoned one.

It is based on The Long Term Player/Athlete Development model.

The Willow Park Sports’ curriculum is clearly defined within the above mentioned stages, and aims to provide a suitable training environment, which fully recognises and supports the stage of development of the individual player/athlete.

To gain a clearer understanding of this approach, click on: http://www.nctc.ul.ie/publications.htm

 

Rugby

    ►   Rugby Calendar

Rugby is an integral part of Willow Park school life.

Through rugby, we aim to foster team work, comradeship and a life long love of the game. The school prides itself on the sheer numbers playing rugby for fun every day and the rich tradition it continues. Willow is synonymous with rugby and the school has contributed throughout the decades to Irish rugby and has played a part in the development of many successful young players: Luke Fitzgerald and Brian O' Driscoll being but two recent ‘old-boys’.

 See:   http://www.irishrugby.ie/468_833.php   for an explanation of  the philosophy and structure behind the delivery of the game in Willow.
 
Swimming
     ►   Swimming Calendar
There is a proud and distinguished history of swimming at Willow. The Campus provides two swimming pools and the school includes three very committed swimming groups, (1) the Minnows: involving new and developing swimmers ; (2), the Dolphins and (3), the Sharks: involving swimmers who compete annually at the Leinster and All-Ireland championships.

These ‘teams’ are open to pupils from Second Form up. Pupils wishing to join a team must pass a number of trials which take place during school time. Once invited to join, pupils have a 4 week trial to identify whether they are strong ( and interested) enough to continue this demanding activity.

For information on competitions and courses please click on:  http://www.swimleinster.com/news.htm

 
Cycling
     ►   Cycling Calendar
Willow Wheelers’ Cycling Club was founded in 1989. There are over 100 members, comprising of boys from Willow Park and Blackrock College, their teachers and parents. Cycle-trips from 40 to 100 km take place each Sunday. Membership of the club is enjoyed by all at Willow Park Junior School who are pupils of Fifth Form or higher. For more information contact Mr Christopher Mc Daid or visit the website of the Willow Wheelers     www.willowwheelers.ie
 
     ►   Cross Country Calendar
Cross Country
Cross Country at Willow Park is available for 1st year students. To join the team a pupil has just to do is turn out for training. All sessions are timed and recorded to identify those capable of representing the school. The team takes part in various competitions, most notably the All Ireland Cross Country Championships..
 
Other Sporting activities     ►  Calendar
Access to other sports is available in Willow. Basketball sessions are timetabled on a weekly basis, whilst pupils interested in tennis can join in the coaching sesions.

After Easter (at the end of the rugby season), the boys play intra-school soccer leagues, organise cricket games (weather permitting) and participate in the annual School Sports’ Day in May.
For details on various sports, click ‘Calendar Sports’ on this website.