The best sport equipment for schools

Taking part in sport is a big part in a child's development, as it not only improves on health and fitness, but helps mental well-being and improved social skills from a young age. Whether it be football, hockey or netball, we have a wide range sports equipment tailored for all age groups.

Check out this handy guide on the best sports equipment suited for your school.

Football

According to FA Guidelines for football equipment for schools, senior sized goals have to be used for all competitive football matches of Under 15s upwards, but these posts can also be used for matches for Under 13 and Under 14 age groups as well. For players aged 7-10, the FA recommends smaller sized posts.

Weighted goals

While socketed goals offer security and safety, it is likely that schools may also require portability if they are not able to have a permanent pitch for football. In these cases, a self-weighted goal is a perfect option.

As a market leader, Harrod Sport are proud to have designed and manufactured the first integral weighted goals, which have now become an industry standard. With a unique roller system, the Hi-Raise wheels allow for quick positioning and removal of these posts, making them ideal for synthetic multi-sport surfaces.

Folding posts

Another excellent option for multi-sport surfaces is a fence folding goal post. This design uses hinged supports to allow it to fold against a fence when not in use, freeing up space for other sports.

Fence folding goals are hinged so that they can be set up or stored with minimal difficulty, offering more freedom and flexibility around their use.

Rugby/Football combination

Many schools may have enough space for a football pitch, but not necessarily enough to also accommodate a dedicated rugby field as well.

In this case, a hybrid goal could prove to be the most useful option. By combining a football goal and rugby uprights, either sport can be played on the same surface without the need to remove goalposts, allowing for the versatility of multiple posts combined with security of a socketed goal.

Hockey

Made from wood or steel, there are variations of hockey goals for all environments - from schools that play competitively to those that offer hockey as a seasonal activity.

As with football goals, hockey goals on synthetic surfaces can be either integral weighted or fence folding style. Another Harrod innovation, self-weighted aluminium goals, are now an industry preference. The quality of this type of post is such that Harrod's own were used for both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic games.

Indoor/training

For indoor hockey, a 3m x2m x1m aluminium 'wheelaway' goal and backboard can easily be fitted and moved by two adults, making it easy to set up and fold away, allowing any hall to be used for indoor hockey practice.

For larger group sessions, folding target boards allow quick and versatile assembly on any surface and are ideal for practice time or larger group lessons where posts are not required.

Alternatively, mini hockey training goals are a great way to play small-sided games without using full-sized posts.

Netball

While freestanding netball posts are not uncommon in school halls around the country, there are two variations that could prove to be beneficial to schools that are looking to increase the number of sports available to their students:

Telescopic posts

By adding adjustability to a standard freestanding aluminium post, schools can enable younger students to take part in practice and full games without the need for additional equipment.

Having a single, telescopic upright that can be adjusted to multiple heights means that any age group can take part, and in doing so makes netball available to more students, creating a further opportunity to spark a passion for sports.

Multi-sport posts

One of the best ways to make as many sports available as possible is to use posts that have been specifically designed for multiple uses. Combination netball posts feature reinforcements and cleats so that mini tennis or badminton nets can be fitted, allowing for three sports to be played with just one set of posts.

Innovation and general safety

Harrod are proud to be innovators, creating new and pioneering ways to help schools nurture the sporting potential of their students and helping to bring a passion for sport to the next generation.

Safety for all is at the heart of Harrod's innovations, and with so many children taking part in a range of sports it is vital that equipment and playing surfaces are regularly checked and maintained. As well as minimising damage and ensuring the longevity of things like goal posts and nets, regular maintenance also safeguards those taking part and combats any risk of injury.

Photos courtesy of Warminster School.

Read more about Harrod Sport Innovation here: https://www.harrodsport.com/innovation