Inspiring Future Athletes: Lionheart students explore new sports and careers opportunities

Open to students in Years 7 – 10, the collaborative event was designed to support students with a high level of engagement in sport, both inside and outside school, and to open their eyes to the many career opportunities that exist within the industry – from community to elite level. 

Rotating through a carousel of activities, students enjoyed a range of interactive sessions. Hannah Faulds – a community coach from Leicester Tigers – hosted a rugby session; Matt Craven – PE teacher at Beauchamp College – led a cricket practical and Leanne Taylor – Head of PE at Judgemeadow Community College – held a boxing lesson.  

These sessions were highly engaging and provided our students with the opportunity to enhance their sports skills and to socialise with enthusiastic like-minded young athletes from other schools across the Trust. 

Alongside the practical sessions, an in-depth careers talk from Dan Hemingway, a former professional rugby player and Head of Community Sport at Leicester Tigers, enabled students to consider employment opportunities in the sports field. Dan spoke about his playing career with the club and discussed the broad range of career opportunities within professional sport, and how these link back to the academic subjects studied in school. 

He was also joined by two players from the Tigers Academy for a Q&A session at lunchtime.  

The feedback from students was very positive. They enjoyed engaging in a variety of different sports and built upon their understanding of the various career paths that exist within sport. 

“Student attitude was excellent throughout the day,” commented Rebecca Ardley, PE Lead for Lionheart.  

“Everyone conducted themselves with maturity, respect and motivation during all activities. They represented themselves, their schools and the Trust brilliantly and were great role models to each other.  

“The day was such a success we hope to now run it annually,” Rebecca added. 

“It felt like a really enjoyable and inspirational experience for all involved.” 

Participating schools: Beauchamp College, The Castle Rock School, The Cedars Academy, Humphrey Perkins, Judgemeadow Community College, Martin High School, Mercia Academy, The Newbridge School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College.