This year's OPs vs College Sports Day may not have had its full programme, but the sociable, celebratory atmosphere was as strong as ever.

Plenty of OPs were in attendance, including Charles Lovatt (Class of 2017), who played in the football match against staff and the College's first team. Then, Mike Howard (Class of 2012), who currently plays for Warwick Hockey Club, represented the OPs as Goalkeeper in our hockey fixture. Finally, a group of fresh-faced OPs from the Class of 2024 also returned to play in the Netball match as well as enjoying catching up with their former coaches.

Our rugby pitch was judged to be too hard after all the summer sun, and so, following public health and safety advice, we sadly had to cancel the afternoon's rugby match. Spirits remained high, though, as the winners of the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield were announced and Foundation Director of Sports, Lee Cassell, takes up the story:

"It was wonderful to host the OPs vs College Sports Day and to welcome so many familiar faces. This popular annual fixture traditionally kicks off the College’s sporting calendar for the year ahead.

The Football started off the morning in good spirits, with the College 1XI participating in the event for the first time. Although both teams were strengthened by the support of some staff members, the College team lost this fixture to a strong OPs team.

Next up was the mixed hockey match, and this time the College team took the victory on a penalty flick, after a competitive and highly spirted game.

Moving on to Netball, the College's team secured victory again, with an outstanding performance against an OPs team of 2024 leavers. This team looks set for great success this year!"

Lee went on to reflect, "It was fantastic to see so many OPs returning to play in some very competitive games against our College teams. It showed the true spirt of the Princethorpe community and gave staff, pupils, OPs and parents the opportunity to watch entertaining matches over the course of the day, all the while enjoying some fabulous food provided by our dedicated catering team.

Thanks to all the players, supporters, organisers and caterers for making it such an enjoyable and special day - it's a fantastic team effort; and a huge well done to all those who played. I look forward to seeing them all again next year!"

Next year, we hope our OPs Sports Day will be bigger and even better, as it will form part of a weekend that kick starts our year-long celebrations to mark Princethorpe College's Diamond Jubilee 60th anniversary. Over the course of the year there will be myriad opportunities for former pupils, parents and staff to reconnect with the College and celebrate our shared history. Look out for further announcements, including the sequel to our Golden anniversary Princefest weekend, Princefest II!

The next OP event to look forward to is the popular OPs London Meet, this year taking place on Friday 26 September in the private upstairs room at Mulberry Bush on Southbank. See our Events page for details and sign up information. We'd love to see you there!