“I am a huge advocate for sporting endeavours working alongside my career as a Physician Associate”
Saracens Mavericks and The Mintridge Foundation's Georgia Lees made her way to the Norfolk Coast to kickstart the netball season off with Gresham’s School, and she started it in style.
“I want to be the mentor to the younger players like Pamela Cookey was to me when I started in the Netball Super League. ”
Georgia, delivers this desire magnificently and far beyond the players in her own team, which is ultimately what took her to Gresham’s on 15th January as she continues to use her platform as an elite athlete for the maximum social impact possible through her Ambassadorial role with the Mintridge Foundation.
A busy day lay ahead but that is how Georgia likes it (she’s a Queen of the Spreadsheet after all...).
The day began with the 1st, 2nd and U15A teams taking to the court with Georgia and her midcourt expertise. Georgia’s philosophy of “We all attack and we all defend” filtered through the coaching session which got each player thinking both on and off the ball.
Georgia’s energy maintained a high work rate throughout the session which meant that the delicious lunch awaiting Georgia and the 1st team was well received. The informal and relaxed atmosphere over lunch allowed the players to get to know Georgia and find out more about what it took to reach the heights of a Vitality Super League Netballer as well as a career as a Physician Associate. There was the odd digression to Grey’s Anatomy too, but it was all for educational purposes, we assure you…
It was soon time for Georgia to present to each of the Senior School Netball squads. She continued to promote her advocacy for the ability of sporting endeavours to work alongside a separate career and how they complement each other well to ensure a balanced lifestyle. There is more to Georgia than Georgia the netballer which ultimately makes her the most happy and healthy person that can be to her family, friends, teammates, and colleagues. Through communication, resilience and above all, having fun, Georgia assured her audience that you can truly be the best version of yourself!
It was soon time to wrap up warm heading outside, so that Georgia could ensure she saw all players in action across the school throughout the day. It was Georgia’s favourite time…match time! The Prep School U12 and U13 players were up against the U14 and U15 B&C squads showcasing the array of talent across all age groups for Georgia to enjoy. Georgia was able to impart her Super League knowledge at the breaks while also bringing her A game for cheerleading which gave the younger players particularly, a huge lift! One lucky player was awarded one of Minty’s medals as Georgia could see great potential in her! Keep it up everyone!
Minty is the beloved Mascot of the Mintridge Foundation.
The final coaching session took place back in the sports hall (yippee for warmth on a cold January afternoon) with the 3rd, 4th and U14A squads. Georgia ensured that her messages were the same as her morning session in terms of ensuring versatility no matter what bib is being worn. Everyone worked extremely hard which made Georgia’s next job quite difficult…
…And that was to select two mentees to work with over the next 6 months on a remote basis to develop, empower and nurture the students both on and off the court.
Huge Congratulations to 1st team’s Vice Captain, Kate and U15’s Mojo for this prestigious award, building on the success of Old Greshamians that have taken part in the mentoring programme since 2017. One of which, Esme Papworth (mentored by Mintridge Foundation and Ex England Captain Pamela Cookey), we are delighted to see her name proudly featuring in the Saracens Mavericks U21 Squad. Who knows, she might be playing alongside Georgia soon…
Anything is possible and with a favourite quote of “You Cannot Be What You Cannot See” firmly etched in the Mintridge Philosophy, the Mintridge Ambassadors stood in front of the Gresham’s students showing what they are capable of really does bridge the gap between elite sport and youth.
Kate and Mojo stood out to Georgia because of their hunger to learn, always asking questions, potential on court and the ability to grab the mentoring opportunity firmly and make it their own through and beyond netball. BRING. IT. ON! You can follow the course of this via the Mintridge social channels over the next six months.
Team Mintridge cannot wait to follow the progress of Gresham’s across the rest of the season and beyond. Go well!
Thank you very much to the Gresham’s staff for welcoming the Foundation back, we have loved our netball and hockey programmes as we look to build upon the positive impact that sporting role models have.
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 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.
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
Unit 4, Shieling Court
Northfolds Road
Corby
Northants
NN18 9QD
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 447106
www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk
