STAFF PROFILE - PE TEACHER

ILJA GORBAN

“I LOVE TO SEE THE GROWTH AND ENJOYMENT OF MY PUPILS WHILE EDUCATING THEM ABOUT HEALTH, FITNESS AND SPORTS.”

From a young age, I have been passionate about many sports, from mixed martial arts to chess. I began actively participating in various sports at the age of 8. Ball sports like basketball, football and volleyball especially captured my interest. However, the sport that truly captured my heart was water polo, from my very first lesson, I was hooked. My journey from a young player to a member of the Lithuanian national team took 12 years of dedication and hard work.

After ending my career as a professional athlete, I immediately began teaching children water polo. I wanted to inspire young athletes to discover and fall in love with this incredible sport, just as I had. Over time, I realised that swimming was a fundamental skill many children lacked, and I took it upon myself to focus more on that essential part of their education.

In my coaching career, I've worked with a wide range of swimmers from semi-professional teenagers to amateur triathletes and long-distance swimmers. My goal is to help every student understand that swimming is not only a vital life skill but also a sport where they can challenge themselves and grow, both recreationally and competitively.

About Mr Gorban

To stay balanced and relaxed, I regularly engage in a variety of sports throughout the year. I also encourage my own children to live an active and healthy lifestyle.