The Mintridge Foundation kicked October off in style with a visit to the beautiful North Norfolk School of Gresham’s alongside Great Britain Hockey’s Grace Balsdon, fresh off the plane from Tokyo with her brand new Olympic bronze medal. Wow, what a role model for the Gresham’s students to have!

It is always important to address as many students as possible both on and off the sports pitch as the stories of Olympians’ success transcend into everyday life for young people too. This took Grace to a whole school presentation in Chapel following a brief but very fun Congo practice! Grace was no different, and her messages around being aware of your own strengths, depositing regularly into the confidence bank, having short term goals and the fact that perfection does not exist is more important than ever for teenagers. In our Instagram fuelled world, we hope that these messages are taken home, as this recent article suggests, being trapped by unrealistic body images is just one example of the perfect world that young people are often presented so hearing this from a real life, strong role model is significant for their mental wellbeing. Having an Olympic medal to see in all its glory and seeing a video of Grace scoring the winning goal for bronze might have added to the impact too!

Shortly after Grace’s presentation and a Meet & Greet with staff, a day filled with hockey, hockey, hockey began! From small groups focussing on closed technical skills of Grace’s speciality; a drag flick, through to larger groups working on aerials and improving our defence. Everyone from the u9’s through the 1st XI was in awe of Grace and they were able to enjoy support from her. We have to say, some of our U11 questions might have been the highlights of the day.

“Who does three cheers at the end of your Great Britain matches?”

— U11 Player

“Did you prepare for an earthquake in Japan?”

— U11 Player

“What do you love about playing in a team?”

— U11 Player

Dodging the stop start rain showers, Grace also enjoyed time indoors presenting team shirts, opening the fantastic Performance Gym and maybe enjoying a highly anticipated Byford’s delivery too!

Thank you very much to the staff and students at Gresham’s School, particularly Mr Cowan for welcoming Grace and the Mintridge team in for the day. We hope that your photos, videos and autographs create a great memory and offer you a small deposit into your confidence bank as you head into the season ahead. We will be behind you all the way! Go Gresham’s go!

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.

SUPPORT TEAM MINTRIDGE

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

info@mintridge.org.uk

www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk