According to Public Health England, In 2019 to 2020, 44.9% of children and young people in England were taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of exercise a day, which meets the current guidelines set by the Chief Medical Officers (Public Health England, March 2021).

The sports scholar students at Prior’s Field School, fit into this percentage and surpass the recommendations, as they are involved in a full programme of sport alongside their studies. Which is why the Mintridge Ambassadors have been supporting them this year, through our virtual presentations and Q&A’s, where they have been learning from the best of the best from lots of different sports.

We were delighted to be back with the students at Prior’s Field School for another of our Mintridge Bronze Presentation Programmes, which would be the final presentation for the students at Prior’s Field School as part of our Ambassador presentation series..

This time it was Laura Sugar’s turn to share her story and speak to the students about her experiences competing at the top level in three different sports. The Mintridge team have really enjoyed these special presentations with the Prior’s Field sports scholars and during each of the presentations the students have asked some brilliant questions and also reflected on how each of the presentations has applied to their own journeys and goals. With many of the students who attend these Ambassador led presentations having their own aspirations to compete at the top level, it is no surprise that the specific advice that they heard from our Mintridge Ambassadors during these presentations has really resonated with everyone involved.

Laura’s journey is incredibly inspiring for the students at Prior’s Field to listen to, and it was certainly interesting for the students to hear that Laura was told as a child that she would not make it as a sportswoman, due to her disability. When Laura covered this part of her story, it really made the students think about how they can achieve their goals and go on to do amazing things, if they have a bit of self-belief and really work hard towards achieving their goals, even when faced with negative views or setbacks.

As an athlete who has competed nationally for Wales in Hockey, and also as an athlete competing at the Paralympic games in Athletics and now on her way to Tokyo as a Paracanoe competitor, it was no surprise that Laura had a lot of stories and poignant messages to share with the students associated with individual performance but also in a wider team environment. It was clear from Laura’s story that she has a strong support network around her, which she highlighted to the students as something incredibly important in their own lives in and out of sport.

Laura spoke a lot to the students about the challenges that can come with competing at the top level, including having to work and train smart, to avoid injury but also what you have to be able to do if you are injured at any point. Laura emphasised to the students it is how you come back from those injuries that can really define your career.

As the presentation went on, Laura reiterated what is needed on the lead up to a big competition and the preparation that goes into that one moment that can define your career. With some reassuring words of advice from Laura, the students could take away some key messages from her that would then help them when they come to taking exams, assessments or even going to trials for their sport this year.

There were some brilliant questions from the students at Prior’s Field School. Some of the best ones were;

How long does it take you to calm your nerves when competing and how do you do it?

Are there any other disability sports you would like to watch or try?

How many hours a week do you train?

How has your training been affected over the last 12 months?

Do you have any tools or practical things that you do before a competition or in training to help you perform better? E.g., do you have a diary or pre performance routine?

Laura reiterated some of her key learnings and things that she wanted the students to think about at on their own journeys that have helped her throughout her career, especially reiterating to the students how important it is to take opportunities when they come your way!

Laura said, “Just say yes to things, and enjoy everything you are doing, because if you enjoy it, you will almost certainly do well in it!”

We were so pleased to be able to join the students at Prior’s Field School virtually for these series of presentations with the Mintridge Ambassadors and we can’t wait to work with them again in the future on more virtual and physical programmes.

Thank you again to the staff at Prior’s Field School for helping to organise this amazing programme and allowing us to virtually visit you.

You can read some of the feedback we received from Prior’s Field School about these programmes below.

I have loved all the useful tips and all of the incredible stories, but the thing that I enjoyed the most was the feeling of meeting an Olympian, and even though it is over zoom, I think that it is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you sports department, I have enjoyed every single one of them, and I know how hard it is to organise these sorts of things!

Lots of our students could relate to Laura’s hockey journey and it was really good to hear about the change of sports and pathways she has made. Hopefully showing the students the endless possibilities that may be out there for them.

Laura has inspired me to have determination and keep hope, even when difficulties arise such as injuries or long term effects./problems.

I will take away the quote “You either succeed from it or learn from it”, and to say yes to opportunities no matter how scary they may seem.

I think that Laura’s tips on what she would before a big competition or race really helped me think about how I can prepare mentally and physically before something important!

They helped me believe in myself and to keep going, they have also inspired me to want to play in the Olympics!

This has been the best experience EVER!

These programmes have really helped the students to understand the hard work that is required, dealing with setbacks as well as balancing the many different facets and commitments they take on in life.

If you are interested in a Programme with Laura Sugar 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.

References

Physical activity data tool: statistical commentary, March 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.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.

“You have to measure yourself against yourself and do what you can to put yourself in the best position you can!” - Prior's Field School Presentation and Q&A with Laura Sugar