We had another brilliant programme with the staff and students at Howell’s School., as we returned for another of our Mintridge Bronze Presentation Programmes. This time it was Georgina Roberts’ turn to share her story and speak to the students about her experiences competing at the top level in Olympic Trap Shooting.

The Mintridge team have really enjoyed these special presentations with the Howell’s School students, during the last two terms. With many of the students who attend the presentations having their own aspirations to compete at the top level and some already enrolled on the school’s Talented Athlete Programme, it is no surprise that the specific advice that they have heard so far from our Mintridge Ambassadors, really resonates with them, even if they are talking about their experiences in a sport they don’t currently compete in.

As an Olympic Trap Shooter, Georgie’s journey is one that is a bit different to those that we have heard already in this series of presentations. Not only because she competes in a sport that is dominated by males, but also because it isn’t a sport that is experienced by many when in school. Getting into the sport from a young age through her family, was certainly a moment Georgie didn’t realise would change her life and lead her to go on to achieve some incredible things.

As an athlete who has competed nationally for Team GB and someone who has ambitions to be competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Georgie spoke a lot to her students about having to balance her time and training as well as talking about how to manage and control your mindset, in order to achieve your goals.

“Working on your mindset can make the difference and be the difference to how you succeed.”

Not only did Georgie share some really valuable advice around mindset, she also spoke to the students a lot about preparation and competing, and shared some really valuable tips that they can all use, when they are preparing for major competitions in their own sports.

“Instead of shooting a round of 25 targets, I take small steps and work through each step of my routine and follow the process. If I do this I know I will hit the target.”

“Think about what you can do to work on the extra 1%ers, as this is what will give you that edge when it comes to competition time and it is definitely nice to have that edge!”

“No matter who you are, you are going to have insecurities and anxiety. So use that to your advantage and try and make it a positive thing for your performances.”

The athletes at Howell’s School all compete in different sports, so it was incredibly beneficial for the students involved to hear the ins and out of Georgie’s experiences and what she has to do to prepare in a very individual sport and in a very high pressure environment.

When talking about mindset and motivation, is was very beneficial for the students to hear how Georgie keeps herself motivated and on track during her training and competitions. Georgie spoke a lot about having a motivational list or movie that you can go to and reflect on, that really refocuses your mind when you need it most.

“Every time I wasn’t sure about what was happening in the future, I look back at my motivation list and think I can do this… It reminds me why I want to be the best and why I’m going to be the best.”

“It is so beneficial in sport to maintain a growth mindset and continue to learn and ask questions.”

As the presentation came to an end, the staff and students wanted to know more from Georgie about how she got into shooting and asked her some brilliant questions. Some of the best questions were;

If you had to try another sport what would it be?

How long have you been shooting for?

If you could tell your younger self one thing what would it be?

How old were you when you started shooting?

How do you deal with a bad training session or competition?

Have you ever tried any other shooting?

What made you go into shooting?

If you could compete anywhere in the world, where would you go?

If you wanted to get people into your sport how would you go about starting it?

Have you had any bad experiences with male coaches that have made you want to become the first GB women’s coach?

Do you have any tips about how to balance school and sport?

Georgie’s final message to the students was, “…discipline is key to everything you do, if you can be disciplined and hold yourself accountable, you will be very successful!”

We were delighted to be able to join the students from Howell’s School with the amazing and inspirational Georgie Roberts. Thank you again to the staff at Howell’s School for helping to organise this amazing programme and allowing us to virtually visit you. We can’t wait for our next visit with a couple more of our inspirational female role models!

At The Mintridge Foundation, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to hear the stories and experience the power of our exceptional Mintridge role models have on the young people we work with. We know that having a role model who can support you, influence you and offer you advice that can help you on your own journey and pathway, can be extremely beneficial.

If you are interested in a Programme with Georgie Roberts or any of our other Mintridge Ambassadors, or you are interested in a Virtual or Physical Programme with one of our team of inspirational Ambassadors, then please get in touch via the Mintridge website at www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk or with Katie at katie@mintridge.org.uk.

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.

To find out more about the Mintridge Foundation, please contact Alex Wallace.

"Working on your mindset can make the difference and be the difference to how much you succeed." - Howell's School Presentation Programme with Georgina Roberts