With the spotlight now shining more brightly than ever on women’s sport, giving our GDST students opportunities to develop their confidence and resilience and meet their sporting heroes were key aims of this year’s GDST Sport Scholars’ Day. 

The day, organised by the Mintridge Foundation and hosted by Sutton High School, began with a powerful keynote address by Liz Cann, Former World Top 20 Badminton player, focusing on self-leadership and the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone. Liz inspired the 250 sports scholars present, emphasising that the qualities for success in sport translate to life more broadly. She encouraged the students to practise breathing techniques with positive thoughts as a practical way to keep calm and manage stress. 

The power of the GDST family and the importance of meeting inspiring role models were encapsulated by Commonwealth Gold Medallist (Netball) and Wimbledon High School alumna Eboni Usoro-Brown: “I started exactly where you are, I was a GDST girl at Wimbledon High. My mother was a headteacher and the importance of co-curricular activities alongside my studies was honed at a young age.” 

Sarah Jones, Olympic Bronze Medallist and Howell’s, Llandaff alumna shared her first-hand experience of life in the Olympic Village. Reflecting on the importance of collaboration, Sarah said: “There’s real benefit in learning from men’s games, especially technical and tactical lessons. And the same applies for them, there’s so much they can learn from women’s sport too.” 

The day was full of energy and the chance for students to immerse themselves in a variety of sports workshops, including football, swimming, gymnastics, cricket, archery, boxing, and rugby. Guided by professional athletes and alumnae, the girls were not only able to hone their skills but also gained valuable tips and insights from those who have excelled in their respective sporting fields. There was time for selfies and autographs, a Q&A, and individual conversations too. 

The GDST Sport Scholars’ Event served as a striking reminder of why it’s crucial to encourage and support young girls in sport. By creating more opportunities for girls and young women to get involved in sport, we empower them to lead active, confident lives. 

Read a review of the day from Hattie in Year 7: 

On the 14 February, myself and seven other Sports Scholars travelled to Sutton High for an action-packed day of sport. Even after a very early start, everyone was full of enthusiasm as the day started and we were introduced to all the athletes. Then we were allocated to the first sport of our choice. I chose cricket which was run by a famous Middlesex captain, Stevie Eskinazi who focused on batting and bowling and the different techniques bowlers can use so the batter doesn’t know what kind of ball is coming. I really enjoyed this session and soaked up a lot from Stevie. 

Next, I played hockey led by the amazing Olympian Sarah Jones. The session was focused on receiving the ball on the run. We started with drills then played a small game where I put my receiving skills to the test. After lunch - an amazing chicken katsu curry to restore our energy! - we had athletics with Commonwealth chamption Iona Lake who walked us through her journey. Finally it was relays - we got sorted into groups then we had a ‘best of three’ relay which my team won. It was an amazing, inspiring day full of fun, meeting some incredible sports stars. 

See some of the great photos captured on the day and hear from Sports Scholar Hattie as she talks about why sport is so important to her.