AFBT Bursaries support Charters’ Rising Sports Stars
The Ascot Fire Brigade Trust have been a supporter of Charters School for many years. This local charity applies the funds received from the lease of the Old Ascot Fire Station for any purpose that is to the benefit of the residents of Ascot.
The charity focuses on hardship relief, support for the elderly, assistance for those with medical needs not met by the relevant health or social authority and supporting local groups, recreational and educational bodies. AFBT has supported Charters School in a number of different initiatives over many years, including the Sports Bursary award for over 10 years.
These annual £1,000 bursaries, awarded to students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their sport, have a huge impact on the young athletes allowing them additional financial freedom to pursue their sporting dreams.
This year, the bursaries were awarded to four remarkable students: Matilda, Pippa, Harry, and Holly. Each has demonstrated exceptional talent, commitment, and resilience in their respective sports, and each embodies the values the AFBT seeks to support: passion, hard work, and the drive to succeed.
Matilda has played rugby since the age of ten, representing Surrey U16s and now selected for Surrey U18s. Overcoming a broken leg and concussions last season, she has demonstrated resilience and focus. Her ambition is to play rugby at the highest level, aiming for national representation and university opportunities that support her development. The bursary will help fund coaching, travel, and training, allowing her to pursue her sporting passion with confidence.
Pippa plays her netball for London Mavericks U17 NPL Squad and Charters Royals, competing nationally. She has represented London Pulse in the U15 National Academies Tournament and helped Royals NC top their league, aiming for the U16 National Club Finals. Her goals include progressing through Mavericks’ pathway to the NXT Gen and Superleague teams, with a long-term ambition for the England Roses Academy. The bursary will support training camps and elite-level coaching.
Golfing since age seven, Harry progressed through Windlesham’s Young Golfers Programme and the Wentworth Elite Scholarship Programme. He has represented Surrey U14s, winning the Southeast England County Championships, and competed in the European Junior Golf Championships. Ambitious to represent England and eventually turn professional, Harry is focused on refining his swing, short game, and course management. The bursary will help fund equipment upgrades and tournament participation.
Holly is a sprinter specialising in the 300m and 400m. She has achieved 2nd in South of England Championships (400m), 2nd in Surrey Championships (300m), competed in the England National Championship final, and holds three club records. Ambitious to study at Loughborough University and compete internationally, she trains five sessions a week. The bursary will support travel, competition costs, and essential running shoes to help her achieve her athletic goals.
We are extremely grateful to the Ascot Fire Brigade Trust for their ongoing support of our school and students and look forward to continuing our partnership into the future.
