How Tanglin Trust School maintain their famous sporting spirit
At Tanglin Trust School, sport is an integral part of school life. With world-class facilities, expert coaching, and a commitment to developing every student’s potential, Tanglin’s sporting provision continues to go from strength to strength. “We aim to nurture and inspire lifelong participation in sport and physical activity,” says Dave Radcliffe, Director of Sport.
World-Class Facilities
The opening of Tanglin’s Centenary Building in 2023 marked a significant milestone for Tanglin sport. The facility features an Olympic-standard Gymnastics Centre, a 50-metre covered Aquatic Centre, and a high-performance Athletic Development Gym, complemented by a state-of-the-art physiotherapy clinic. Further upgrades this year include a new Golf Practice Facility, a refurbished playing field with a large LED scoreboard, and a Junior School Athletic Development Gym, ensuring younger students build strength, balance, and coordination from an early age.
This integrated sports campus underpins Tanglin’s thriving sports programme, with over 17 competitive sports offered to students including swimming, gymnastics, rugby, football, touch, netball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, cricket, and climbing.
“These facilities aren’t just about performance,” says Tom Clarke, Head of Athletic Development. “What I love most about my role is seeing the lasting impact our programme has on students’ physical and mental wellbeing. Our aim is to develop confident, capable young people who enjoy being active for life.”
Now in its third year, the Tanglin Lions IMPACT Programme provides tailored support for students aiming to reach their potential. Key components include strength and conditioning training, fitness testing, nutrition and leadership development, injury management, and elite athlete clinics, all designed to help students achieve their potential.
“Our aim is to develop confident, capable young people who enjoy being active for life”
Sport at Every Level
Tanglin’s sporting culture begins in the Infant School, where children are introduced to a range of developmentally appropriate activities. As students’ progress through Junior School, the opportunities to represent their House, Year Group, and school become defining parts of their Tanglin experience.
In Senior School, Tanglin also recognises students’ achievements in sport through its Colours System, which celebrates exceptional sporting endeavour and achievement.
“Aside from the breadth of sports on offer, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy amazing facilities and high-quality coaching to help me achieve my full potential. It’s been an honour to be a Tanglin Lion,” says Matty B (Year 13).
A Continued Legacy
With an exciting calendar of fixtures and tournaments, Tanglin athletes continue to shine regionally and internationally. Recent highlights include multiple tournament championships and outstanding performances in a range of sports at SEASAC, FOBISIA and beyond, including tournaments in Hong Kong, Dubai, and the largest Schools Touch Rugby competition in the world, held every year in Queensland.
“Our goal is to provide a structured and inclusive environment where every student can thrive, whether recreational or competitive,” says Joy Koh, Director of Gymnastics. “I’m proud to work alongside an amazing team of coaches delivering one of the strongest and largest programmes in the region.”
Tanglin Trust School
95 Portsdown Road, 139299
www.tts.edu.sg
www.facebook.com/TanglinTrustSchool
instagram/tanglintrust
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