Cockburn School names new sports facility after former student, Kyle Asquith.

Cockburn School proudly named this new facility in memory of Kyle Asquith, former student of Cockburn School who passed away in 2013. His organs saved the lives of 5 people and since then, The Kyle Asquith Foundation has gone on to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS Blood and Transplant Trust and to support children from Cockburn School to achieve their aspirations. The school continues to raise funds and the awareness of organ donation.

Kyle’s parents, trustees of the charity, presented representatives from the Leeds NHS Blood and Transplant Trust a cheque for £1000 on behalf of the charity before they cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.

Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United also played their part, both of whom work with Cockburn School to support the development of rugby and football within the school. The event was attended by Rhinos first team players Sam Lisone and Mickael Goudemond who made time to speak to the students involved and have some group photographs. Leeds United sent a video message from first team player Sam Byrom, who wished everyone luck for the event.

Students from the school’s netball and rugby teams were training on the new pitch and court as the guests for the event toured the facility.

The new pitch (suitable for football and rugby) and triple tennis court/netball court will play a vital role in the outdoor sport provision for Cockburn School. They are located to the south of the school site, on a section of the former private South Leeds Golf Course which closed in November 2019. They had a shortage of outdoor sporting facilities at the school (65% below the required provision) associated with the growth in student numbers over recent years. Representatives from Leeds City Council and Moortown Group, who worked together to plan, design, and build the facility also attended.

Kyle's mum, Tracey Asquith, said "We are so grateful to the school for how much they all do in Kyle’s memory. The new facility provides a lovely legacy for our son who loved his sport.” Kyle’s dad, Alex Asquith added “Kyle would have loved this! He would have wanted to be out here all the time.”

Executive Headteacher and trustee of the Kyle Asquith Foundation, David Gurney, said: "Naming this excellent new sports facility after Kyle will ensure that he continues to be remembered. This excellent new sports facility will help to ensure that all of our students continue to learn about being healthy and fit while developing their practical sports skills".

Head of School, Rob Dixon, said: "The students playing on the pitch today know about Kyle despite the years moving on. We want to make sure the Foundation is still going strong so that everyone can take ownership of it. We are very proud of the work that our students do to raise funds and keep his memory alive."

If you wish to contribute to The Kyle Asquith Foundation, please contact the school at info@cockburnschool.org and title the email ‘Kyle Asquith’. They also have a JustGiving page and you can make donations online at www.justgiving.com/kyle-asquith