Felsted School opens new Athletic Development Centre

The centre offers specialist equipment, flexible training spaces and tailored performance and recovery programmes for elite athletes and lifelong sports fans.

It will also host pre-season training for Felsted teams and partners including Saracens.

Felsted Prep pupils trying out the new equipment (Image: Felsted School)

Former pupil Poppy Tydeman returned to open the centre after representing Wales in netball at the Commonwealth Games.

Poppy, who was Head Girl at Felsted, said: "Looking at what’s been created is amazing, from the facilities for functional fitness to cardio and strength training.

Old Felstedian Poppy Tydeman officially opening the centre (Image: Felsted School)

"It’s going to be so amazing for all of Felsted’s aspiring athletes to get stuck in from an earlier age."

Poppy spoke about her journey from a first team call-up in Year 9 to competing internationally, and the critical role a dedicated training space plays in athletic development.

She said: "When I was younger I was so unaware of how physically demanding sport becomes the higher up you go, and everything from maintaining fitness for a full game, to injury prevention and injury rehab all stem from work in a centre like this."

Poppy Tydeman (left) with current members of the Felsted netball team (Image: Felsted School)

Poppy made her senior debut for the Welsh Feathers in 2024 and was named Fans’ Player of the Season in 2026.

She graduated from the University of Bath with a first-class degree in health and exercise science.

Felsted headteacher Lara Péchard said: "Since joining Felsted in September, I have been struck by how deeply sport is woven into the fabric of the school’s character.

Felsted rugby players take a first look at the new Athletic Development Centre (Image: Felsted School)

"From the founding of the Old Felstedian Football Club in 1893 to the enduring traditions of cricket on The Front, sport has brought generations of Felstedians together and provided opportunities for talented young athletes to flourish.

"We are delighted to add this new Athletic Development Centre to our facilities, further strengthening the opportunities available to current and future generations."

The centre was made possible through a legacy gift from Old Felstedian Michael Dines (1934–2024).

Mr Dines attended Felsted from 1948, competed in athletics, and served as a Lance-Corporal in the Combined Cadet Force.

He later pursued amateur theatre while staying closely connected to the Old Felstedian community.