"If your driver in life is to create lasting memories and have a fulfilled life, play sport" Shona McCallin MBE visits Northampton School For Girls, July 2022
"If your driver in life is to create lasting memories and have a fulfilled life, play sport" Shona McCallin MBE visits Northampton School For Girls, July 2022
If there is one thing that us as Brits are good at, it is talking about the weather and in the past week, it has been more so than usual…and for very good reason. With the hottest temperatures on record soaring through the country, unfortunately many schools have been forced to make the difficult decision to cancel their sports day as the Manchester Evening News discussed in their recent article.
One such school, Northampton School for Girls were determined for their students to still have the positive impact throughout the day from what sport can bring. What a better way to do that than with a visit from the one and only Shona McCallin MBE? Shona is a double Olympic medallist and Mintridge Foundation Ambassador who wanted her story to help those around her.
“I’m a hockey player by trade but I’m a person too. ”
On Monday 18th July, Shona made her way to the school and delivered an authentic presentation of overturning self doubt, remaining present and maybe a few coping strategies for coping with the heat!
“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back... play for her.”
Shona, who currently has 113 combined caps for England and Great Britain Hockey, has openly shared how the quote above ignited something inside her at a time when her emotional and physical tanks were empty back in 2012. “I needed to focus on being Shona the person” and that is exactly what she did, without holding anything in and communicating with those closest to her to allow her to start loving hockey again. The NSG students can take Shona’s teachings forward in sport and beyond. Lessons that have continued throughout her career such as in 2016 when Shona wanted to grasp her place in the highly coveted Team GB squad for the Rio Olympics. Shona looked at what was in her control and that was how much work she put in. Hard work she did, and the result was a Gold medal that was glistening in the Spinney Theatre for all to see. Shona’s continual ability to draw her story back to those sat in front of her is incredible as she urged the students to look at what passions they have and what they can work hard for.
Ice lollies at half time? As Shona moved through her presentation, ears pricked up when she shared how the team prepare for competing in the heat, topical wouldn’t you say? From special ice lollies with the correct nutrients, before, during and after matches through to greenhouses at Bisham Abbey prior to departure (highlighted in the video below), no stone was left unturned. Students were given a real insight into life as an elite sportsperson, thank you Shona! After being asked by a student if she was able to last in the Tokyo climate for 60 minute matches, Shona joked that she didn’t melt and was still here today!
More questions came flying in which was great to see!
What are the most important characteristics as you as a sport person?
“Stay in the moment and never take anything for granted.”
Do you have a role model?
“Athletes at the 2000 Olympic Games and my Grandma. She taught me to be kind and to be respectful. She taught me to have good manners and never take anything for granted.”
Shona and her role model enjoying lockdown FaceTimes!
“Lots to take away from Shona’s ’s inspiring talk. When a student asked who her role model was she identified her grandma: “She taught me to be kind and to be respectful. She taught me to have good manners and never take anything for granted.” Mine too. Grandmas are ace!”
How do you get through tough times?
“Through the power of talking to those close to me. By writing down head chatter. By setting Daily goals and writing 3 good things that happened that day! You can’t beat watching Love Island to help switch off too!”
Do you have any regrets?
“No. Every setback has created a learning opportunity.”
Other questions included:
Do you regret dropping football?
How many countries have you played in?
How can you break into a career with Team GB?
How did you balance school, sport and your social life as a teenager?
The Mintridge Foundation works closely with Believe Perform to provide infographics around mental fitness. Please get in touch to learn more.
We were having far too much fun with the NSG students, especially with all of the photographs and autographs that were flying around but Shona soon had to make her way back to Bisham Abbey for a very important physio appointment. Fresh back from the World Cup and with just over a week until the England Hockey Commonwealth Games campaign begins, we didn’t want to step in her way. Go well next week Shona, we cannot wait to cheer you on! You have proven yet again your commitment to supporting the next generation and with minimal preparation time delivered an outstanding and authentic presentation and Q&A. The perfect replacement for students losing out on Sports Day.
“Fantastic guest speaker talk from Shona McCallin - informative and incredibly inspiring! What a journey of athleticism. ”
Thank you very much to the staff at Northampton School For Girls for welcoming the Mintridge Foundation to support your students.
It is great to know that there are plenty of hockey clubs close to school for those inspired by Shona’s story. One such club is Northampton Saints, a short drive from the school gates.
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
