Sport

Inspired to be part of something great

From their own deep love of sport, a Hilton College coach aims to inspire each boy to know a few things. First, the pure, visceral fun of playing the game. Then, the satisfaction of doing his personal best. And – in learning to apply discipline, handle disappointment and develop a growth mindset – that golden moment he discovers his inner grit.

The story is told not only by the scoreboard, but what happens on the field.

Enthusiasm is fundamental.

Not only to the individual’s game but to elevate the team – win or lose. In experiencing the sheer enjoyment of sport, of loving what he does and the joy of team spirit, we build connections between players and cultivate in individuals a lifelong love of sport, way beyond their Hilton years.

We take care of the boy as a whole.

More than pure skills and performance, a boy’s mastery of his chosen sport, no matter the level of play, must involve the development of his mental health and emotional maturity. His parents, sports coaches and academic and boarding staff are on the same side, communicating regularly with his best interests at heart. By seeing him holistically, we help him develop self-belief.

Sport is a wonderful humbler.

It reminds us we’re part of something greater than ourselves. A boy’s personal contribution is important, but the chemistry of the group is paramount. The most talented player can also be the most destructive if he isn’t working effectively with his team.

Everybody can learn from sport and participation is essential.

No matter a boy’s chosen sports, we work hard to create and maintain a healthy environment in which everyone learns. Our D team coaches are as critical to the coaching line-up as our A team coaches.

Boys need adversity.

Setbacks like not making a side or losing a game become superb learning opportunities. With our positive youth development philosophy, we track the progress of every boy. To us, U14 and even U15 results are secondary as we spend these years instilling the tools needed to learn from failure. In later school years, these boys become top achievers. With a solution mindset in place, victory is sure to follow. Seeing school sport as an educational journey, we’re unafraid to challenge norms.

We promote a culture of excellence.

A number of our coaches either played or coached at provincial and national level. These dedicated professionals are equally role-models to the boys and our coaches of the lower teams. They also invaluably contribute their knowledge and experience to Hilton College’s sporting systems, elevating our planning, structures and processes.

We strive to develop young men that are accountable for their actions.

Young men that take ownership of everything they do, and do it to the best of their ability without making excuses. Every boy must behave and perform in a way that supports the team’s goals.

Boys need adversity.

We promote a culture of excellence.

We strive to develop young men that are accountable for their actions.

Young men that take ownership of everything they do, and do it to the best of their ability without making excuses. Every boy must behave and perform in a way that supports the team’s goals.

In their own words: Hear about some of our boys’ personal sporting journeys

Constantino

Siyabonga Buthelezi

Tony Shuttleworth

Joshua Miller

Chris d’Oliviera’s Hilton story

No Excuses

Hilton Fire

Lungi Ngidi

The Sport of Soccer

Programme

We have a Director for each of our six core sports

Water polo, basketball, cricket, rugby, hockey and soccer – whose principal task is to inspire coaches and boys to greater heights through their sporting expertise and knowledge gained from many years of experience at the highest level of sport.

Creating balance for boys and their enthusiasm for sport.

Our full-time conditioning expert develops bespoke programmes to help prepare boys for the demands of playing sport at a high level. The conditioning expert works with boys that play various sports at a high level, making sure they have enough time and rest to achieve their potential academically.

Our resident biokineticist and physiotherapist have on-campus consulting rooms.