Uplands Preparatory is proud to announce the formation of a pioneering coalition within its Sport Department, led by newly-appointed Junior and Senior Primary Sport Coordinators, Dylan Badenhorst and Shoain Shelton. This exciting collaboration signals a renewed commitment to excellence, inclusivity and long-term development in sport at Uplands.
With strong roots in both education and sport, Shoain Shelton brings over nine years of leadership experience, including seven as Head of Sport at Penryn. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Shoain transitioned from financial management into education, inspired by a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for child development. His own athletic background – ranging from rugby and cricket to earning provincial colours in sprinting – underpins his dynamic approach to sport coordination. At Uplands, he is privileged to have initiatives such as the Uplands Cricket Academy on site, which utilises professional resources like Neil Carter for skill benchmarking and catch-up training, as well as the opportunity to offer an expansive pre-season programme. The outstanding hockey facilities at the school and the strong support of on-site professional coach Tjoff van Staden ensure he is well positioned to offer Uplands pupils unique opportunities to develop and grow in the sport.
Dylan Badenhorst, a Lowveld native and former Uplands intern, brings fresh energy and vision to the Junior Primary Sport portfolio. With a background in law and a heart for child development, Dylan’s journey into education was shaped by a desire to make meaningful connections with young learners. He has since embraced the opportunity to develop foundational sport programmes rooted in fun, learning through play, and long-term skill progression. Under his guidance, Uplands has seen significant growth in sports like soccer (boys and girls), with successful performances at Camp Discovery and increased exposure through club and inter-school matches.
Together, Shoain and Dylan have forged a transparent and cooperative leadership dynamic that ensures alignment across the Junior and Senior phases. Their shared goal is to create a unified sport culture where pupils are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed at each stage of their development.
Sport is an integral part of life at Uplands. Beyond competition and skill acquisition, it serves as a powerful platform for inclusivity, character-building and holistic growth. The Uplands Preparatory Sport Department is deeply committed to offering every pupil, regardless of ability, a meaningful and supported pathway to participate, thrive and excel.
