Our pupils do amazing things every single day, but behind those achievements are all of the hardworking staff here at Merchant Taylors’ School. In Staff Spotlights we look to explore the diverse backgrounds and skills of the people who make Merchant Taylors’ a great place to be. This week we hear from Philip Davies, Director of Cricket.
When did you join Merchant Taylors’?
September 2018
Tell us about your role. What excites you about it? How did you get into it?
So, I have recently taken up the role of Director of Cricket at the school, which is obviously quite a popular pastime for the boys. I also have also run the Sports Science Department since I joined in 2018. It has been awesome to see the enjoyment that cricket brings to so many at the school. You only have to walk through the playground to see many games of playground cricket taking place, of which I have been known to join in with on occasion.
The standard of cricket here is what initially really drew me to the school, and over my 7 years we have had many teams that have justified my decision. I am particularly excited by the prospect of trying to emulate the success of our U15s this summer, who won our second national championship ever. That said, regardless of result, it is also a real pleasure to see the sheer numbers of boys who continue to play the bat and ball after they leave the school and love the game.
With sports science, I love putting into practice what you learn about, and I think it is one of the most applicable subjects to their own lives that boys will potentially study.
What are you most proud of outside of your work at school?
Obviously being a member of the PE Department, it is not un-common to be partial to playing competitive sports at some stage in your career. I have played cricket since I was 7 and continue to do so now, although the 1st XI and school matches on Saturdays have put my league cricket to bed somewhat, I still love turning out for a number of teams which I play for when I can. Even when you drive an hour and a half to be caught out at first slip off your fourth ball, it’s a beautiful game! I would one day like to take the field with my son, like I was able to do with my dad.
My wife and son (and dog) are great source of perspective and a release from school. They have had to be very accommodating with a husband and father who spends most of his Saturdays with a whistle in his mouth or doing laps of the boundary! So, as you can appreciate, any time with them is precious and I particularly love our trips to the Lake District, a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives!
What did you study at A-Level?
Geography, PE and History… (do rugby and cricket count?)
What piece of media would you recommend and why?
I am quite cheesy when it comes to films and love anything with a feel-good ending – and obviously rags to riches sports films! Eddie the Eagle gets me every time, and The Mighty Ducks was a childhood favourite of mine. Nowadays, Rudy is my favourite, telling a great story of hard work and a never give up attitude.
In quite a stark (pun intended) contrast, I think Game of Thrones is the best series ever made!
I have been known to heatedly discuss the greatest indie bands of all time with some of the students, and still see Oasis as the GOATs!
If you’re looking for a podcast, you could always try the School Sports Podcast, which was a Covid project between myself and a former teacher about all things school sport!
