1 History of Sport Thomas Arnold head of Rugby School 1830’s founding father of Muscular Christianity Muscular Christianity Public School heads conscious of need to keep up the tone of their schools This took the form of a Christian education which sought not to impart religious instruction or to enrich the spiritual part of a boys nature. Rather it developed his character in a New Testament ethic of purity, integrity and compassion

2 History of Sport... cont Tom BrownTom Brown was told by his father that he expected him to turn out a brave-helpful, truth telling Englishman and a gentleman. The first 10 years of G.E.L. Cotton’s headship at Marlborough was characterised by vandalism, brutality and open rebellion from the boys in school. Organised games provided Cotton with a measure of co- operation from the undisciplined boys.

3 History of Sport …cont At Marlborough College Cotton set in motion a process which had far reaching effects greater than any other aspect of PS life. From here can be traced the origins of: –Most codes of Football –English amateurism –The ideals of Olympism

4 History of Sport….. cont The concept of athleticism was born in the last half of 20th C The link between moral excellence and athletic prowess took a firm hold and originally used as a disciplinary measure. According to Cotton ” games had a much higher educational and moral purpose ” The games cult was unleashed as it could not be resisted-it was copied and justified