A Day of Sporting Inspiration at Kettering Buccleuch Academy with the Mintridge & Johnny Reynolds Foundations
A Day of Sporting Inspiration at Kettering Buccleuch Academy with the Mintridge & Johnny Reynolds Foundations
The sun shone brightly over Kettering Buccleuch Academy on Friday 19th September, setting the perfect tone for a day filled with sport, inspiration, and unforgettable memories. Thanks to the support of the Johnny Reynolds Foundation and The Mintridge Foundation, students were treated to an extraordinary five-sport experience — many trying these sports for the very first time.
The focus of our day was for two Northamptonshire charities to come together to support a select group of students from Year 8 upwards within the school showing the possibilities that sport can bring – a mutual mission of both organisations.
A Powerful Start
The day began with palpable excitement as five elite Sports Ambassadors arrived, ready to coach and inspire. After a brief introduction in the lecture theatre, students learned about the day’s activities and who their ambassadors would be as well as the reason that we were all gathered here – in memory of Johnny Reynolds, a fantastic young man who sadly passed away in 2023.
A highlight of the morning was a motivational talk by Eboni Usoro-Brown, an international netball star, Mintridge Ambassador and qualified lawyer. Her story of juggling elite sport and professional ambition left a powerful impression on the audience, especially as she shared her message about resilience, hard work, and believing in yourself.
Action-Packed Coaching Sessions
🏑 Hockey with Phil Roper OLY
In the sports hall, Team GB Olympian Phil Roper OLY led three energetic sessions. Students picked up hockey sticks, learned new techniques, and even played alongside Phil himself. His approachable nature and enthusiasm lit up the hall — and a few teachers and guests from the Johnny Reynolds Foundation even joined in on the action!
🥊 Boxing with Hannah Beharry
Across the hall in the dance studio, former female boxing champion Hannah Beharry had students on their toes — literally. After some dynamic warm-ups and technique training, students gave it their all, throwing combinations and soaking up Hannah’s high-energy coaching style as well as hearing her powerful story of how she got into the sport.
🏀 Basketball with Blake Bowman
Out on the basketball court, Leicester Riders basketball player Blake Bowman showed his skill and control, guiding students through drills and giving everyone a chance to test their moves and shoot some hoops. There were high-fives all around as students embraced the highs and lows of basketball in a fun, fast-paced session alongside Blake’s supporting coach Greg Ellis.
🏐 Netball with Eboni Usoro-Brown
On the outdoor courts, Eboni Usoro-Brown switched gears from speaker to coach, keeping the pace up with netball drills focused on agility, passing, and teamwork. Her encouragement gave students the confidence to step out of their comfort zones and give it their all.
⚽ Football with Aileen Whelan
Out on the field, former Leicester City Football Captain, Aileen Whelan delivered a session packed with ball control and short-passing techniques. Her calm yet focused coaching approach helped students absorb key fundamentals and understand the discipline required to develop in the sport.
Students Stepping Up
Many students had never experienced some of these sports before, but you wouldn’t have known it. Their energy, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm shone throughout the day. Confidence grew with every session — so did the smiles. They left with new skills, increased self-belief, and maybe even a few new dreams.
After a well-earned lunch, the students had the chance to mingle with the ambassadors — thanks to a fun ‘Mingle Bingo’ game that encouraged questions, conversations, and lots of laughs. There were plenty of photo opportunities, and many students made the most of the chance to chat one-on-one with their sporting heroes.
“Are you left handed?”
“Who doesn’t like chocolate?”
“Who has broken a world record?”
“Have you got more than 100 caps for your country?”
The Final Panel
To wrap up the day, all five ambassadors took part in a panel Q&A hosted by Mintridge Foundation founder Alex Wallace. Questions came from both Alex and curious students — and the answers didn’t disappoint. Some were moving, others surprising, and a few even drew gasps from the audience. It was a fitting end to a day built on honesty, inspiration, and connection.
“Do you have any superstitions on game day?”
“What has been the highlight of your career?”
“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
“Who are your biggest supporters?”
“Why do you love sport?”
A Special Thanks
We are incredibly grateful to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation for their unwavering support — not just in funding the day, but in being present and engaged throughout. Their incredible legacy continues to bring sporting opportunities to young people in areas where sport can feel like something only seen on television. To have so many of Johnny’s family with us on the day alongside trustees made it very special.
The Johnny Reynolds Foundation is a registered charity that exists to help children and young adults realise their dreams in sport. Collaborating with the Mintridge Foundation for the second time on a project of this scale in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas is a testament to what can happen when vision and opportunity meet.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a sports day — it was a day of growth, discovery, and inspiration. For many students, it may have been their first step into a new sport… or even the first step toward a bigger dream.
We look forward to seeing what comes next.
Particular thanks to Laura Terrett from Kettering Buccleuch Academy for the time and energy that you put into the day, without it, none of it would be possible.
Thank you to the Mintridge staff and volunteer team for enabling the day to run so smoothly as well!
If you are an individual that is interested in applying for funding from the Johnny Reynolds Foundation, follow the link below. Be it a new pair of rugby boots, a new tennis racket, a donation towards a sports tour or an experience, the trustees will carefully chose worthy recipients with the stipulation it must be appreciated and valued at the same high level of enthusiasm, pride and fun that Johnny would want the recipient to enjoy! Applications to come through teachers / sports coaches or instructors proposing suitable candidates with a 50 miles radius from Brigstock, Northamptonshire.
About Us:
The Mintridge Foundation is a UK-wide charity dedicated to turbo-boosting young people's development and opportunities through the transformative power of sports. Our innovative programs and collaborations inspire, mentor, and guide the next generation to thrive.
