#THANKFULTHURSDAY The Sunday Times & The Times
#THANKFULTHURSDAY The Sunday Times & The Times
Did anyone see The Times on Monday? How good was the article about Northampton Saints & England Rugby’s George Furbank? We still can’t quite believe it every time we see The Mintridge Foundation mentioned in such a journalistic institution as The Times and the Sunday Times and we are so thankful for the increased exposure that our media partnership with them provides.
The Times & the Sunday Times are passionate about promoting women’s sport, they have been reporting on women’s sport for over 30 years. Women’s sport should be reported upon and featured in the main sports section because it is sport, it just happens to be played by females! Through featuring it their sports section, it brings it into the mainstream where it firmly belongs.
This is where our values meet. The Mintridge Foundation are huge ambassadors for women’s sport… but we are also huge ambassadors for men’s sport. In fact, we are passionate about sport for anyone and everyone. We have such a huge range of sporting role models amongst our ambassadors, at all levels, in all disciplines and from all backgrounds.
This is what appealed to The Times and the Sunday Times about us. They didn’t want to highlight just sport for women, they wanted to highlight sport for all.
The Sunday Times first learnt of The Mintridge Foundation when our founder, Alex Wallace (nee Paske) was awarded the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year - Grassroots award. This was a huge moment for Alex personally (for whom The Mintridge Foundation and the work they do is a passion) and a small charity such as The Mintridge Foundation. Little did she know at the time that this award would lead onto such an incredible partnership
“We would like to talk to you about a media partnership, how does that sound?” was the opening statement that Alex heard around a full table upon her first return to News UK since the glittering ceremony the previous year. Wow, this was the start of something very special!
So far, The Mintridge Foundation have featured in articles about the Mintridge Foundation, the inspiring Marilyn Okoro and, of course, George Furbank. The exposure for the Foundation is incredible but, more than that, the exposure of the benefits of sports mentoring is priceless.
“I have found it really rewarding. I had one kid who really came out of his shell. He was just starting to play rugby at the start of our six months and by the end he couldn’t get enough of it. The aim is to assist them with things in life they find challenging that I can potentially help them with. One of the biggest pieces of advice I said was ‘Get out of your comfort zone’. I think that is massively important.”
George Furbank in the Sunday Times - 30th March 2020
The Times and the Sunday Times have also helped us to spread the message that the work we do isn’t just about producing sportspeople who will be selected to represent their country in the future (although it is nice when that does happen). They have also helped to spread the message that sport teaches life skills and improves physical and mental wellbeing.
“Sport is almost a metaphor — you are set a challenge and exceed it, and take away that confidence, while, for some kids, not getting selected is the first understanding of disappointment. You are on a journey with them and feel part of their lives for six months — and it even outlasts that as they come to watch you play.”
Stevie Eskinazi in The Sunday Times – 1st November 2019
To receive backing from such a huge and prestigious institution means that we, as a charity, are punching above our weight. In fact, this in itself highlights one of the messages that our ambassadors regularly share with young people.
“It’s nice for them all to have access to us and see there’s no real secret: yes, there’s a bit of talent, but hard work is more important.”
Marilyn Okoro in The Sunday Times – 17th November 2020
The Mintridge Foundation and The Times & The Sunday Times relationship is very much a partnership and to have the support of so many of the team at News UK is outstanding. This year, we were showcased at this year’s SWOTY which opened doors to new Ambassadors, partners and opportunities.
Thank you!
Support for your favourite charities is more important now than it has been for some time, as highlighted in The Times earlier this week. Your donations at this time are invaluable for us to carry on doing our important work and to allow us to keep young people active and motivated whether at home or at school as soon as they re-open.
You can pledge to support our charity here.
Or find out about other ways to support us here.