Rackets​

Rackets (or racquets) is one of the fastest, most exhilarating and most challenging sports. It is played in the UK, US and Canada on an indoor court with solid walls about three times the size of a squash court, with a hard ball. It requires exceptional hand–eye coordination and footwork. The skills are transferable to several other ball sports, such as tennis, squash, hockey and cricket. 

Rackets has a distinguished history at Marlborough, having been played at the College for over 140 years. Marlborough won the National Schools’ Doubles Championship for the first time in 1901.

Pupils benefit from the coaching of Rackets Professional, Rob Horn. Victory in the 2024 National Girls’ Doubles was his third piece of silverware in his first two years at Marlborough. Assistant coach Uzi Qureshi and volunteer coaches Rupert Tate & Rob Wakely also assist with the programme.

Will Molyneux

Master in Charge, Rackets 

Rackets Girls Doubles Winners (Rob Horn)[2]
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Rackets Boys Squad 2024 (Mike Bush)
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Rackets Girls Singles Winner (Rob Horn)
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Rackets Girls Squad 2024 (Mike Bush)
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The rackets complex houses two courts, the playing surfaces of which are recognised as being among the best in the country. The reception area and a viewing gallery have recently been refurbished. With the growth in the girls’ game in recent years, there are now close to 70 pupils playing across the College. Many practise in their free time and fit their rackets into a busy schedule of other sporting and co-curricular commitments.

Fixtures are played in both the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. The College plays on a broad circuit against opponents that include Charterhouse, Cheltenham, Clifton, Eton, Haileybury, Harrow, Malvern, Radley, Rugby, Wellington & Winchester.  

Marlborough competes at the National Schools’ Championships at the Queen’s Club. The Boys’ Singles and Girls’ Doubles take place in December, and the Boys’ Doubles and Girls’ Singles in March.

The College provides opportunities for members of the local community to play. Alex Renwick, a pupil at St John’s School in Marlborough, became the first Queen’s champion from the wider Marlborough community when he won the Renny Cup.