Ashville signs up new sports director

Dominic Bradburne – a Leeds Beckett Carnegie graduate – has joined Harrogate’s Ashville school after four years heading up the PE department of an independent school in Shropshire.

Since joining Ashville after the Easter break Mr Bradburne has already started making his mark, including launching a series of online question and answer sessions with leading rugby, cricket, hockey and netball players, many of whom have played at national and international level.

Additionally, Mr Bradburne is helping to support an initiative between Ashville College, CNG and Harrogate Rugby Club, for a new “Harrogate Health Hub” to boost the fitness and wellbeing of the local community.

The Hub will host a million “CNG Power Hours” driven by the coaching team at the club and pupils from Ashville College, many of whom play for the club.

Ashville College Headmaster, Richard Marshall, said: “We are delighted that Dominic has joined Ashville as our new Director of Sport. Sport is a very important part of school life, and over the last few years we have invested heavily in facilities and people.

“The recent £3.8m redevelopment of our Sports Centre is accessible to all pupils from across the College and now boasts a state-of-the-art gym, dance studio, 30m swimming pool, two indoor sports halls, climbing wall and a number of tennis and squash courts.

“Dominic has extensive experience in transforming the sports curriculum, building relationships with external sports clubs, and helping pupils of all abilities to excel in their chosen sport.”

As an “all-rounder”, Dominic has played cricket for various teams in the Shropshire Premier League, Birmingham League, and represented Shropshire at all age groups; played football for Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers and Hereford United; and rugby for Shrewsbury Rugby Club and Church Streeton Samurais.

Mr Bradburne’s arrival comes on the back of two other recent key signings made by Ashville, as it looks to further enhance its sports reputation.

Last year former NBA professional basketball player, Voise Winters - who at the height of his career faced Michael Jordan on the court – became the College’s first Basketball Coach.

In addition, Gary Mercer, a former New Zealand international, was appointed the new role of Head of Rugby.