Talent doesn't define you, but you can have great fun with it! - Ex Scotland International Cricketer, Olivia Rae Visits Malvern St. James Girls’ School
Talent doesn't define you, but you can have great fun with it! - Ex Scotland International Cricketer, Olivia Rae Visits Malvern St. James Girls’ School with the Mintridge Foundation & Limitless Kit
Women’s Cricket is dominating the headlines at the moment and we love it! With the World Cup taking place over in New Zealand and the second year of the Hundred just around the corner, has there been a more perfect time for Malvern St. James to have a professional cricketer in? We don’t think so, and thanks to our partners, Limitless Kit, this was made possible.
Olivia Rae received 76 caps for Cricket Scotland and ended her playing career on a high at Middlesex. Now, having turned her attention to coaching, she enjoyed a fantastic afternoon with the cricketers and sport scholars at Malvern St. James looking at the individual game and developing new players too.
The afternoon, in beautiful sunshine we might add, began with a group full of year 6 – 9 students brimming with energy, ready to absorb all that Olivia had to share. Olivia’s circuit challenged the players to look at all aspects of the game before coming together for a match. MSJ girls are a competitive bunch, that is for sure something that followed in the Senior Session too.
Players in the senior session worked together on what they wanted to achieve from the session giving Olivia an insight into where they are as players. Olivia saw an opportunity to start the session with a circuit focussing on functional movement when in the field. It was brilliant to see so much talent on display and with music blaring from the speakers and the sun shining, what more could we all want from a Thursday afternoon in the beautiful Malvern Hills?
After some focussed batting, bowling and a short match, Team Mintridge wanted to give the players an opportunity to learn so much more from Olivia; life beyond the pitch.
“My proudest moment as a player was when I achieved a childhood dream, something I never thought possible, I played at Lord’s! We won’t talk about the fact it was only a 5 over match due to rain…”
Olivia was asked questions about her career and how she got there. We didn’t want to ruin too much of the surprise as it was soon time for Olivia to deliver the Speech at the Annual Malvern St. James Sports Awards. Before that though, Olivia encouraged the girls to write down their own aspirations, in sport and beyond, and post them in the Mintridge Aspiration Post Box. This gives everyone a chance to think about the smaller steps to achieve their dreams and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for everyone.
With Bimingham Phoenix playing their home fixtures just over an hour from Malvern at Edgbaston, why not head over on Friday 19th August to see Olivia in action in her coaching capacity with the Northern Superchargers?
Everyone had worked up a great appetite ready for our delicious evening meal and the fun and games in store. A Question of Sport, Heads and Tails and a highly competitive bowling challenge in evening dress – brilliant! Olivia soon took to the stage to share her thoughts on what she has learnt through her fantastic career, from ensuring a healthy support network, a healthy balance between rest and training as well some valuable mindfulness exercises to remind us all of the importance of remaining present, Olivia demonstrated the value of using her platform to support those that are coming through after her. Thank you, Olivia!
Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees that joined Olivia on stage afterwards following your successful sporting year. There was such a special atmosphere that was a privileged to be part of. Thank you very much to the Malvern St. James staff for welcoming us so warmly and we look forward to working with you in the future!
Thank you very much to Limitless Kit for your continued ambition to inspire the next generation to be active and healthy, making days like this possible.
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
