Somerset school becomes first to join anti-doping scheme

Millfield School in Somerset has become the first school in the UK to sign up for an anti-doping in sports accreditation scheme.

The accreditation scheme is run by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), a national organisation that is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the UK are compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and works to raise the awareness of the use of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Working towards UKAD accredited status will ensure that young athletes are proactively educated about clean sport and how healthy lifestyle choices can improve performance, with staff and coaches taking part in a number of UKAD training programmes.

Additionally, UKAD will run termly workshops for both students and boarding house parents to promote better engagement with clean sport values and existing practical support for young athletes in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy and strength and conditioning.

David Faulkner, Millfield director of sport, said: “We have a duty to educate young people about what is best for their wellbeing and sporting development. At Millfield we are proactive in talking about, and facilitating, a healthy lifestyle for our whole school community.

“This UKAD accreditation will be another step towards increasing that education process and actively involving young people in a dialogue about their lifestyle choices. As educators, we must all take responsibility to give young athletes the tools to make the right choices for their sporting development both now, and as adults.”

Nicole Sapstead, UKAD chief executive, said: “Education is a vital part in promoting clean sport and the anti-doping prevention strategy. The UKAD Accreditation Scheme allows us to engage with schools, colleges and universities ensuring that athletes receive a high-level of education from early on in their sporting careers.

“I would like to congratulate Millfield on becoming the first school in the UK to collaborate with UKAD, showing their commitment to clean sport, by supporting their athletes and staff throughout their sporting career so they can make the right choices and compete clean.”