PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER, FI MORRIS EMPOWERS THE CHILDREN OF FLORA GARDENS PRIMARY SCHOOL THROUGH CRICKET WITH THE MINTRIDGE FOUNDATION AND ACTIVE DIGITAL
YOU MISS 100% OF THE SHOTS THAT YOU DON’T TAKE
PROFESSIONAL CRICKETER, FI MORRIS EMPOWERS THE CHILDREN OF FLORA GARDENS PRIMARY SCHOOL THROUGH CRICKET WITH THE MINTRIDGE FOUNDATION AND ACTIVE DIGITAL
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity that wants every young person to have a positive relationship with sport. This is achieved by harnessing the unique platform of sporting role models far beyond their medals.
Together, and to renew their charity partnership, Active Digital and the Mintridge Foundation welcomed applications from schools to receive a visit from Thunder Cricket and Manchester Original’s Fi Morris.
The kind sponsorship of Active Digital fully funded this opportunity alongside their other ongoing support of the Foundation. As their technology partner, Active Digital have provided Mintridge with a range of Apple iPhones and iPad devices for the team to help the use of technology to increase sports participation. They also kindly support the running costs of our small charity.
As this week marks Small Charity Week, Team Mintridge would like to highlight the huge support and active (get it) engagement that the entire Active family give us which makes a signifcant impact to our charitable objectives, thank you.
Active Digital is a family-run business (brother and sister) for over two decades, they are a multi-award-winning telecoms provider that customers can trust.
“You know you get those days where work doesn’t actually feel like work? This was one of those days.
It was a pleasure to support our charity partner of the year The Mintridge Foundation at one of their events on Tuesday. It was a privilege to be able to watch Mintridge in action, doing what they do best. Supporting young people and demonstrating the importance of movement for their physical and mental welllbeing. Loved meeting cricketer, Fi Morris as well, as one of their Mintridge ambassadors. Such a lovely, inspiring day. Can we do it all again please?”
A stalwart of the game, having played senior cricket since 2008, the lucky school would learn from Fi, who plays for Thunder Cricket & Manchester Originals. An all-rounder, she is a right-arm off-break bowler and right-handed batter but above all, she is a fantastic balanced human that is always read to share her experiences of sport. In a world of superficial social media presence, increasing sedentary lifestyles, a mental health epidemic and the long reaching impact of Covid - 19, young people need to see a greater variety of sporting role models. Young people need strong and authentic people like Fi to look up to and learn from.
We were overwhelmed with the number of entries which made the job of the Judges very difficult indeed! Flora Gardens Primary School came away as the eventual winners due to their desire to expose the children to as many sports as possible – something that is at the core of what we do here at the Mintridge Foundation.
Fresh from the Finals of the Charlotte Edwards T20 Cup, Fi travelled to the capital to help the Flora Gardens students develop their mental and physical superpowers and this started with a captivating assembly for the Year 5 and 6 classes.
“HWPO – Hard Work Pays Off!”
Fi took the children on her journey of picking up a bat at the age of 3 through to the fun and enjoyment that she is having as a professional cricketer today. This was via the ups, the downs, the balance, the work on her mental health, her resilience, the travel and every thing between. It was fantastic to see the response from the children which was captured in some fantastic questions and some wonderful dreams that were posted in our Aspirations Postbox. By bridging a gap and enabling Fi to sprinkle the Mintridge magic, she was able to help the children see what they can be, and that possibilities really are endless.
With the sun shining, there was only one thing left for the morning and that was to get the cricket equipment out and head to the playground. Youth sport creates thousands of teachable moments that transcend life and Fi Morris was determined to ensure that was possible throughout her precious time in the school.
The eager Year 4’s were the first group to experience coaching from Fi, previously only seen on the television by the children, she was now giving them give her time, expertise and advice. A circuit of three core skills was set up for Fi to highlight the basics around batting, bowling and catching. Fi’s gentle 1-1 support and her fun nature wowed the children who were buzzing between the stations whether this was their first session or they had experienced leather on willow before. As the session drew to a close, there was of course time for some photos, autographs, a medal presentation and a Q&A. Well done everyone on a brilliant session.
The Year 3’s followed and Fi’s infectious energy had a similar impact on them as well. We don’t like cricket, we LOVE it and it is safe to say that Flora Gardens felt the same as well!
This visit will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for the Flora Gardens students to ignite and / or nurture a healthy sporting journey. We think there might be a few new Thunder Cricket & Manchester Originals fans too! By giving people the confidence to move, they will find the confidence to shine and overcome life's challenges.
“My first programme back in 2023 and I’m very grateful that it was with the utterly authentic and wonderful inspiration that is Fi Morris.
Thanks to the power of the Women’s Sport Trust Unlocked Programme, I was able to learn about Fi’s story and now she is showcasing the powerful female cricketing role model that she is to so many boys and girls across the UK!”
“I loved my day down at Flora Gardens Primary School - it was so inspiring to see so many kids loving their cricket and making me feel welcome. I’m really grateful to Active Digital for making the day happen and it was great to meet them!”
Thank you very much to Ms Cullen and the Flora Gardens Community for welcoming us into your school, we were definitely greeted with the kindness, interest and enthusiasm from all staff and students that was outlined in your application. We hope to return to W6 very, very soon!
“A massive thank you to Mintridge and Active Digital for coming to Flora. The children had an absolute ball and really enjoyed the whole experience. Thanks again for making this opportunity happen.”
Monday 19th to Sunday 25th June 2023 is National School Sports Week and the Mintridge Foundation has made a #PledgeToPlay to the Youth Sports Trust supporting young people getting active for 60 minutes every day. How will you spend your 60?
Where Can You Watch Fi Play This Summer?
GET INVOLVED!
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity that wants every young person to have a positive relationship with sport.
What Problem Are We Tackling?
In a world of superficial social media presence, increasing sedentary lifestyles, a mental health epidemic and the long reaching impact of Covid - 19, young people need to see a greater variety of sporting role models. Young people need the Mintridge Foundation more than ever.
Research commissioned by Continental Tyres, an official partner of the England Lionesses highlighted that 60% of girls aged between 11-17 believe an inspirational role model is the best way to kick start a sporting journey.
By giving people the confidence to move, they will find the confidence to shine and overcome life's challenges.
How Do We Achieve Our Mission?
The Mintridge Foundation harnesses the unique platform of sporting role models far beyond their medals.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual deliver holistic sports provision in schools, clubs and colleges across the UK for young people from all walks of life, of all abilities and physical capabilities via four strands:
1) Presentations and classroom sessions to share their unique sporting journey.
2) Coaching sessions to kickstart a healthy sporting journey or to help nurture an existing pathway.
3) To ensure the greatest legacy, some students have the opportunity to be mentored remotely by the Ambassador for a period of six months to offer continued support for their mental and physical fitness (delivered via safeguarded technology).
4) One parent / carer and staff member with each mentee receives tickets to watch their Ambassador compete and get behind-the-scenes access at a live sports fixture to showcase the power and opportunities of sport.
Each child has a unique journey. We believe that Mintridge Ambassadors help young people live well and develop mental and physical fitness superpowers. Sports stars have an incredible ability to ignite a fire within the young people they work with. Mintridge athletes, previously only seen on television, stand in front of students in person, give their time, expertise and advice. This makes the students feel special, they truly listen to the athletes in a different way to many other adults in their lives. Someone important is giving up their time for them, someone relatable.
Our Impact?
Our programmes change lives, and we are always thrilled to learn just how far-reaching and positive the outcomes can be, demonstrating the incredible power of sport; from a mentee’s selection to represent Great Britain in their chosen field to enabling disabled children to find confidence and happiness through participation. Equally, we have helped rebuild families and given young girls the confidence to own their own stage!
By bridging a gap and sprinkling the Mintridge magic, we are helping young people see what they can be, and that possibilities really are endless.
Young people learn life skills such as teamwork and leadership, they gain a sense of empowerment and the ability to receive constructive coaching preparing them for the workplace too.
Dual Impact
Both parties (mentor and mentee) leave our programmes feeling enriched and inspired.
The ripple effect of the programmes upon peers and the young person’s family creates an even greater positive benefit – positive repercussions are ongoing to ensure that more people are living well.
Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
