Celebrating Sport, Legacy, and Inspiration at Tormead School's Urnfield Sports Field Opening
Celebrating Sport, Legacy, and Inspiration at Tormead School's Urnfield Sports Field Opening
It was a day to remember at Tormead School as the official opening of the brand-new Urnfield Sports Field brought together a vibrant community of athletes, students, families, and sports enthusiasts. The event, made even more special by the presence of sporting legends provided by The Mintridge Foundation, was a true celebration of athletic spirit, resilience, and legacy.
Guests of Honour: Sporting Excellence in Action
We were honoured to welcome three extraordinary athletes as our Guests of Honour for the day:
Aileen Whelan – Professional footballer with an impressive career, most recently playing in the Women’s Super League as Leicester City’s Captain
Marilyn Okoro OLY – Olympic middle-distance runner who represented Team GB with pride and passion on the global stage.
Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE – Former captain of the GB women’s hockey team and Olympic gold medallist, known not only for her sporting achievements but also her leadership and advocacy in sport.
These remarkable women, in partnership with The Mintridge Foundation, brought inspiration, motivation, and joy to every student and guest they engaged with. From sharing their personal journeys in sport to encouraging the next generation to dream big, their presence was an unforgettable highlight.
Sport in Action: A Celebration of Football, Athletics & Hockey
The newly opened facilities were truly brought to life with an exciting showcase of sporting talent. In attendance were teams from Guildford County High School and Guildford Hockey Club, joining forces with Tormead to display skills, sportsmanship, and a shared love of sport.
Football matches ignited energy across the pitch.
Athletics demonstrations celebrated speed, strength, and teamwork on the new track.
Hockey games reflected the passion and pace of one of the school’s most loved sports.
It was a vibrant celebration of community and competition – a fitting tribute to the upgraded Urnfield Sports Field.
Honouring a Legacy: The Kotcheff Family
A particularly poignant moment of the day came as we honoured the Kotcheff family, whose daughter and sister – in whose memory the athletics track is named – tragically passed away in 2023. Meeting the family was incredibly moving and added deep meaning to the occasion. Her legacy will live on through every stride taken on the track that bears her name – a powerful reminder of sport’s ability to honour, heal, and inspire. For her sister to be awarded prizes from both Marilyn and Aileen was wonderful.
A Huge Thank You
Tormead School Staff for their continued commitment to supporting young people through sport and working alongside us here at Mintridge.
Our inspirational Guests of Honour for sharing their stories and sparking ambition.
Tormead, Guildford County High School and Guildford Hockey Club athletes for bringing their talent and energy to the day.
Families and guests for making the Mintridge team feel so welcome!
The official opening of the Urnfield Sports Field was not just about cutting a ribbon—it was about opening doors: to opportunity, to ambition, and to the limitless potential that sport brings.
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.
