At Clayesmore, representing a First Team is a reflection of sporting commitment, ability and achievement. This year, Zara, Wilf, Angus, Fin and Theo are leading their respective First Teams as captains, bringing valuable experience and a passion for their sports. We spoke to them about their sporting journeys, proudest achievements and what it means to lead their teams.
Zara – Hockey Captain
Zara’s sporting journey at Clayesmore has helped her develop her skills, confidence and understanding of the game. Reflecting on her time at the school, she highlights the importance of the support she has received from the sports staff, who have continually encouraged her passion and commitment to sport.
Zara explains that her “skills, confidence and understanding of the game have continued to develop” throughout her journey. Now, as hockey captain, she has the opportunity to build on this experience and take on a leadership role, representing Clayesmore with pride.
Wilf and Angus – Rugby First XV Co-Captains
Wilf and Angus share the honour of captaining the First XV, bringing years of rugby experience to their leadership roles.
Wilf’s journey began in Year 1 at Clayesmore, playing at an after-school club run by Mr Westlake. He later joined a local rugby club, played up a year in rugby sevens in Year 10 and made his First XV debut in Year 11. One of his proudest moments was reaching the national semi-final with last year’s First XV. This season, he captains the team from fly-half.
Describing his new role, Wilf says he is “incredibly proud” to captain the First XV.
Angus began playing rugby at five with North Dorset Rugby Club before joining Clayesmore in Year 7. He spent three years in the Bath Rugby Academy before progressing into the Scottish rugby pathway, gaining experience of international-level training and facilities.
Angus also highlights last season’s National Bowl campaign, when the team reached the semi-finals, as his most exciting rugby experience. He describes his time in the Bath Academy as an opportunity to gain “experience, friendships and exposure to different coaching styles”.
Together, Wilf and Angus will bring their experience and shared commitment to leading the First XV this season.
Fin – Squash Captain
Fin first discovered squash in Year 8 during LEX with Mr Binns. Having quickly developed a love for the sport, he joined the school team in Year 9 as seed 8 and has represented Clayesmore every year since, steadily progressing up the rankings.
This year, Fin takes on the captaincy while playing as seed 1. Despite his progress, he recognises there is still plenty to learn, describing his journey as “incredibly rewarding, both as a player and as an individual”.
He adds: “I am extremely proud to represent Clayesmore and lead the team this year.”
Theo – Football Captain
Theo has played football from an early age, combining club football with indoor football, which helped him develop his technical ability in tighter spaces.
Since joining Clayesmore in Year 7, he has captained every age-group team he has played in. After joining the First Team in Year 11 as a winger, he gradually moved into more defensive positions and now plays as a centre-back. He has also played at county level and continues to play regularly outside school.
Theo enjoys his current role on the pitch, explaining that he likes to “lead the team from defence”. His experience across different positions and teams has shaped his journey at Clayesmore and his approach to captaining the football team.
Looking Ahead
Our captains bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their roles. Their journeys reflect the opportunities they have embraced and the progress they have made throughout their time in sport.
We congratulate Zara, Wilf, Angus, Fin and Theo on their appointments and look forward to following their teams’ progress throughout the season.
