“Why do you need teammates?” - Hannah Diamond, Pamela Cookey and Shona McCallin MBE deliver an exceptional Mintridge Programme at Old Vicarage School
Old Vicarage School welcomed The Mintridge Foundation and THREE inspirational Ambassadors to spend the day with them during a special Bronze Programme.
“Why do you need teammates?”
We know you might have a different answer to that question above, but for Team Mintridge, teamwork makes the dream work!
Our recent programme at Old Vicarage School demonstrated the power of a great team and the power of sport. As part of an extraordinary programme, we were delighted to visit Old Vicarage School with not one but THREE of our Mintridge Ambassadors. Boy, did it create a huge impact and exciting buzz around the school all day.
In the hope of enriching the minds and bodies of their students, Old Vicarage School invited Pamela Cookey, Shona McCallin MBE and Hannah Diamond to deliver an inspirational day of netball, hockey and sailing coaching sessions and presentations.
As part of the day, former England Netball Captain, Pamela Cookey and current GB Hockey player Shona McCallin MBE delivered netball and hockey coaching masterclasses side by side in the sunshine for the Old Vicarage School students. They all loved being put to the test by Pamela and Shona and showing off their new skills in their small-sided activities and competitions.
A favourite part of the programmes for our Mintridge Ambassadors is awarding medals and certificates at the end of each session to students who showed great listening skills, determination or perseverance during the sessions, and we loved seeing this during our day.
Meanwhile, whilst Pamela and Shona were having fun in the sun, the amazing Hannah Diamond was enlightening the younger students with her professional sailing journey, highs and lows, and even getting them to try on all of her sailing kit she takes with her around the world.
“The waves were as high as the ceiling, and we are constantly faced with uncertainty and unpredictable circumstances on board.“
Now, we know the power of having one Mintridge Ambassador inspire students with their sporting stories, but it was even more incredible for the students and staff at Old Vicarage School to hear from all of our Ambassadors during the afternoon. Pamela, Shona and Hannah shared the personal highs and lows they have all experienced during their careers in professional sports.
In awe of Shona’s shiny medals, Pamela’s tales of winning and losing and Hannah’s Mary Poppins like sailing bag, the students learnt so much about what it takes to compete at the top in sport and succeed in life from our inspirational role models.
“Communication with your parents, teachers and coaches is key. They are all there to support you, but they need to understand the challenges you are facing to be able to help you on your journey.”
We also loved our lunch break visit to the Nursery group during our day. Although they were disappointed that Shona’s medal wasn’t made from chocolate, they were very pleased to learn more from our amazing team during our day.
During our afternoon presentation, the students took their chance to ask some thoughtful questions to the Ambassadors; some of the best ones were:
Pamela Cookey
How did you manage all of your clubs at the same time?
What was your favourite match?
What was your toughest match?
Did you ever feel like giving up on netball?
Shona McCallin MBE
Which medal is your favourite?
What was the best match in your career?
How did you feel in your gold medal match?
Do you like all of your teammates?
Why are teammates important?
Hannah Diamond
How long did it take to sail around the world?
How do you stay friends with everyone on board?
What do you eat when you are sailing?
Which country has been your favourite country to visit?
Now not only did the Team Mintridge Ambassadors share their inspirational Mintridge journeys, challenge the students in their practical sessions and share their top tips for success, Hannah Diamond and Pamela Cookey also welcomed two new Mintridge Foundation mentees to the team. We are delighted that they were selected to participate in this programme with them both.
We can’t wait to follow their journeys through this mentoring programme!
Thank you to the staff and students at Old Vicarage School for inviting #TeamMintridge, Hannah Diamond, Pamela Cookey and Shona McCallin MBE to spend a special day with you all. We look forward to seeing you all again next year and hopefully inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams!
If you would like a programme with Hannah Diamond, Pamela Cookey or Shona McCallin MBE and want to learn more about our mentoring programmes for your school or club with one of our inspirational Mintridge Ambassadors, please get in touch with 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
