"Don't be afraid to fail!" - Dunbridge Financial support an inspirational Silver Mentoring Programme with England and Northampton Saints rugby player, George Furbank
George Furbank Visits Beckfoot School for an Inspirational Silver Mentoring Programme
Thanks to the kind support from Dunbridge Financial, who funded this Silver Mentoring Programme, The Mintridge Foundation were able to spend the day with the staff and students at Beckfoot School for a brilliant rugby programme with England and Northampton Saints rugby player, George Furbank.
During the day, George had the opportunity to share his sporting journey and experiences with the students to inspire them on their own journeys to success and share his words of wisdom, on and off the rugby pitch.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. You have to learn to fail and you have to fail to develop, even away from sport!”
George spoke passionately about his rugby career and the highs and lows he has experienced along the way, to enlighten the students about what it takes to compete at the top of your game. George wanted to share with the students the values sport has taught him and how that has helped support his life outside of rugby, as this is something that has complimented his studies so far. On a very topical note for some of the students in the room, George also focussed on ignoring the distractions that can come from social media and the importance of looking after your own mental and physical health too.
“When you are dealing with rejection, it is really important to set yourself short and long-term goals, so that you have something to aim for that feels achievable in those low moments.”
In both the presentation and coaching sessions, the students asked some fantastic questions for George, including:
How do you stay motivated?
How do you manage your time playing professional rugby?
How do you stay brave going into a tackle?
Who has been your hardest team and opponent?
What is the hardest thing about being an international rugby player?
It was brilliant for George to share these insights with the students during our day, as it isn’t very often they have the opportunity to meet someone who is performing at the top of the international stage!
To complement the messages George was sharing off the pitch, the students also enjoyed learning from George in their coaching sessions on the rugby pitch too. George tested the students’ basic rugby skills and also challenged them to a few attacking and defending games under pressure aswell.
This was a particular highlight for some of the students who are regularly training with their local club and there was a real buzz around the school on our day. It was clear from the smiling faces and excitement around school, that George inspired a lot of the students during our day and we are so pleased we could bring this day to everyone involved.
Not only did we meet lots of the Beckfoot School students during our day, we also had the pleasure of selecting two new Mintridge Mentees, who had all applied through a school application process to be George’s mentees. George selected the two mentees, based on the strength of their application and their willingness to improve in all areas of their school and rugby life.
We are so pleased that these students and the two mentees could benefit from this fantastic opportunity and we can’t wait to see how they progress over the next six months. This programme was made possible by the kind support from Dunbridge Financial, and we are very grateful that the students at Beckfoot School could benefit from this day.
If you would like to understand more about our mentoring programmes with elite athletes and how they can support the young people at your school or club, please contact Katie Smith.
If you are considering supporting the Mintridge Foundation as a business, organisation or as an individual, head to our SUPPORT US page below.
The Mintridge Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. We provide a support network for young people by harnessing the power of positive sporting role models. The Mintridge Foundation assists young people of all ages, abilities and physical capabilities to develop confidence and resilience, and creates awareness of the importance of mental and physical wellbeing through sport.
Our team of Ambassadors - Olympians, Paralympians and other professional sports stars from over 20 sports, both team and individual - work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK. Starting with visits including assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions tailored to each organisation’s requirements, our ambassadors can then provide one- on- one remote mentoring in a safeguarded environment, delivered via technology such as Fitswarm and Playwaze to build a lasting legacy for individuals.
The Mintridge Foundation’s successes demonstrate 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 just through participation. Understanding life after sport, we also support our Ambassadors in their transition from active sport to the next stage of their careers.
The Mintridge Foundation
Unit 4, Shieling Court
Northfolds Road
Corby
Northants
NN18 9QD
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106
www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk
