A Day of Sunshine and Sport at Kettering Buccleuch Academy
A Day of Sunshine and Sport at Kettering Buccleuch Academy
On 24th April, sunshine set the tone for a busy and engaging day at Kettering Buccleuch Academy, as pupils and students took part in a visit led by two Mintridge ambassadors, Laura Sugar MBE and Elizabeth Shermer.
The day combined assemblies, practical coaching and open discussion, giving young people the opportunity to learn directly from elite athletes.
Lessons from the Journey So Far
The visit began with an assembly for primary school pupils, where Laura and Elizabeth shared their sporting journeys.
Laura spoke about starting out in hockey, before watching the Paralympics and realising that her club foot could provide a pathway into para‑sport. She explained how this led her to try para‑athletics as a runner, before eventually finding her way into paracanoeing, where she now competes at the highest level. Her message focused on being open to change, trying new things and making the most of opportunities.
Elizabeth shared how she was a swimmer while at school, before moving into rugby much later. Now a current Dutch international rugby player, she explained how her journey shows that it is never too late to find the sport you enjoy most, as long as you are willing to work hard and keep going.
Skills, Teamwork and Sunshine
Following the assembly, Laura and Elizabeth delivered outdoor coaching sessions for Years 5 and 6. Despite Laura’s success in paracanoeing, the sessions focused on hockey – her first sporting love.
With the sun shining throughout the day, pupils took part in energetic and enjoyable activities that focused on teamwork, communication and key skills. At the end of each session, recognition was given not just for performance, but for effort, attitude and positive engagement, reinforcing the wider values that sport can help develop.
An Open Forum with the Ambassadors
During the lunch break, Laura and Elizabeth spent 45 minutes with a large group of senior school students who are keen on sport. In an informal, discussion‑based setting, the ambassadors shared abridged versions of their journeys and answered a wide range of thoughtful questions on motivation, setbacks and balancing sport with other commitments.
Reflecting on the Day
Thanks go to Laura Terrett, alongside Louise Davidson and Daniel Gill, for their organisation and support in making the day such a success. Thank you also to Laura Sugar MBE and Elizabeth Shermer for their time, openness and energy throughout the visit, and to the Mintridge staff for ensuring the day ran smoothly.
This visit was the final in a series of sessions funded by The Johnny Reynolds Foundation at the Kettering Buccleuch Academy, designed to build confidence in pupils preparing to move into senior school and to give them the chance to experience a range of different sports.
Many children asked questions after assembly and throughout the day’s sessions with some great interaction between Ambassadors and students.
“What countries have you been to”
“How many injuries have you had?”
“Do you get hurt playing rugby?”
“What are your gold medals made of?”
“Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?”
Further Thanks
The Johnny Reynolds Foundation is a registered charity that exists to help children and young adults realise their dreams in sport. Continuing the collaboration with the Mintridge Foundation in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas is a testament to what can happen when vision and opportunity meet.
Final Thoughts
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.
