Sporting Role Models Visit Kettering Buccleuch Academy
Sporting Role Models Visit Kettering Buccleuch Academy
We kicked off the term after the February school break visiting Kettering Buccleuch Academy twice with ambassadors from the Mintridge Foundation, in association with The Johnny Reynolds Foundation. The visits gave students the chance to hear from elite athletes, take part in coaching sessions, and engage in conversations about sport, resilience, and personal development.
Day One: Football at the Forefront
Our first visit saw former professional footballer Aileen Whelan and Deaflympian footballer Fil Kamps join us at the academy.
We began the day with a whole-school assembly, where Aileen and Fil shared their journeys in sport. Aileen spoke about her experiences playing professional football and the dedication required to compete at that level. Fil shared his experiences as a deaf athlete representing his country and competing at the Deaflympics, offering an insight into the barriers he has overcome throughout his career.
Following the assembly, Aileen and Fil delivered football coaching sessions for Years 5 and 6, focusing on key skills, teamwork, and communication. Half of the class wore ear defenders to encourage sharper visual focus, clear signalling and working together while the other half were with Aileen focusing on core skills but using more traditional communication.
The pupils showed fantastic energy and enthusiasm, and it was brilliant to see them learning directly from athletes who have competed at such a high level and in different ways within the same sport. A number of students were selected to receive certificates and medals that stood out, not for skill, but for listening ability, encouraging team members, and demonstrating positive engagement.
Discussion time with Year 7 students
During the middle of the day, Aileen and Fil spent time with a select group of Year 7 students for an informal Q&A session. This offered the students the chance to ask questions and hear about the challenges both athletes have faced, the discipline required to succeed, and the importance of making positive choices.
To round off the day, Aileen and Fil joined the group in the sports hall for a game of football, giving the students the opportunity to play alongside the ambassadors and finish the day in a fun and memorable way.
Throughout the day, children asked many questions and were able to write down any they hadn’t had the chance to ask in person, and the Ambassadors took time to respond to each one.
“Did you ever get bullied for being deaf?”
“When can we meet you all again?”
“What was your age when you started football?”
Day 2 : Basketball Takes Centre Stage
Ten days later, we returned to the Academy with professional basketball player Marko Backovic for another engaging day with students.
The day began with an assembly, where Marko shared his journey into professional basketball and spoke about the commitment, discipline, and mindset required to pursue sport at a high level.
Students then took part in basketball coaching sessions, developing their skills through a series of drills and activities led by Marko. They were taught the correct part of the hand to use, and good techniques for passing plus some more trickier style movements! The sessions were energetic and enjoyable, giving students the chance to experience basketball coaching from a professional athlete.
“What day of the week do you coach?”
“How many trophies did you win?”
During the lunch period, a similar group of Year 7 students joined Marko for a Q&A session focused on the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance when working towards goals in sport and everyday life.
A Valuable Experience for Students
Both visits highlighted the positive impact that athlete role models can have when they engage directly with students in schools. Through our partnership with the Johnny Reynolds Foundation, the programme provides opportunities for young people to hear real stories about determination, perseverance, and the value of hard work, both in sport and in learning.
It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of students across both days, whether in the assembly hall, on the pitch, or on the court. Experiences like these are a key part of the work we do at the The Mintridge Foundation, helping young people learn from athletes’ journeys while building confidence through sport.
Futher Thanks
We are incredibly grateful to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation for their unwavering support. Their incredible legacy continues to bring sporting opportunities to young people in areas where sport can feel like something other people do and is watched from afar on TV.
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
Particular thanks to Laura Terrett from the Kettering Buccleuch Academy for the time and energy that is put into the day, alongside Louise Davidson and Daniel Gill from the Primary school, liaising and ensuring the best day was had by all. Without these teachers getting behind it, none of it would be possible.
Thank you to the Mintridge staff 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.
