Barney (OP 2020) and Hugo (OP 2022) have swapped their cassocks for helmets as members of the NFL Academy programme playing American Football, based in Loughborough. Since 2019, this NFL initiative replicates an American High School programme, with players seeking a route onward to the College system. The players effectively board and do their A-levels at Loughborough College, with all sporting aspects – field practice, weights, speed sessions – taking place over the road at the University.  

It all started when a school friend of Barney's suggested he come down to Solent Seahawks in Southampton to play, because he's 'quite big'. Now immersed in this world, Barney announced he'd like to trial for the NFL Academy. Not really knowing what we were letting ourselves in for, we made the journey to Loughborough in March 2024 for him to take part in a trial, or 'combine' as it's known. He transferred his A-level studies from Peter Symonds to Loughborough and, four terms later, completed his studies with excellent results. He has remained for a final year to gain more playing time and work towards a College place.

Hugo followed suit, successfully navigating a combine in spring this year. He has started his A-levels and is enjoying all academic and sporting aspects. Being 'Academy men' has involved playing opportunities in Europe and in the States, as well as a regular October fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Aside from the Academy, both have represented GB U17.

Austin is keen to emulate his big brothers, currently playing Flag Football (the non-contact version) with Solent Spitfires. He'd like to make the move to contact soon.

It goes without saying that the prep school education the boys received at Pilgrims' provided excellent preparation for them, from the rigorous work ethic of choristership, to boarding, to sport, to academics.

I am enjoying my new Deputy Head Co-Curriculum role at Sherborne Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. We are in our founding year, which makes it an exciting and rewarding prospect. Currently, we educate children from Nursery to Year 7 but will grow through to A-levels in time. Saudis are very welcoming, and I have spent my weekends open water swimming, hiking and learning to sail!

Meanwhile, Emma maintains our strong links with Pilgrims' as she stays in Winchester with Austin and continues in her roles as Registrar and PE teacher. I'm thrilled she is currently on her second trip to Saudi to see me, before we head home together in time for the festive break.

The boys and I miss Pilgrims' and think fondly of the strong community, especially at times like Christmas.

Andrew Short
Ex-Director of Sport and Main School Housemaster