Oakham School Spotlight - Sporting Futures
Last month, Oakham School hosted a hugely inspiring and innovative evening of talks and networking for over 100 young athletes aged between 14 and 16, and their parents, involved in talent pathways and academies. The athletes, from Oakham School and other schools across the country, received a genuine insight into a 'Sporting Future' thanks to the immense experience of those at Oakham in this area as well as from visiting speakers.
The evening was created to not only provide advice and networking about how to progress in talent pathways and beyond but to also highlight life beyond playing and the opportunities available. This in itself demonstrates the rounded sporting education pupils at Oakham School are fortunate enough to receive and that others were given an insight into.
The Director of Sport at Oakham, Dr Iain Simpson said, "I'm very grateful to our speakers and special guests for joining us, and for helping to deliver a hugely successful event."
Five universities and ten talent pathways were represented at the Sporting Futures event and we were joined by ten elite athletes and 32 professional coaches.
"It's a privilege to be able to bring together so many talented young athletes from far and wide to discuss matters important to them and their families."
Amongst those speaking and available for the networking event were:
Dr Ed Cope - Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Loughborough University, who spoke of overcoming adversity in order to become successful.
James Bateman, Head of Men's Performance Hockey at University of Nottingham who gave an insight into a sports focussed university and how to balance sport and studies when choosing a university as well as opportunities for sports scholarships.
Leon Lloyd - ex Leicester Tigers and England rugby player who spoke about transitioning to life outside of sport. He discussed the importance of keeping options open and highlighted the multitude of career options open within the wider sporting world.
Dan McKeller - Leicester Tigers head coach spoke about what top professional clubs look for in players. He identified talent, character, work ethic, sacrifice and resilience as the essential attributes for professional athletes.
Alongside the fantastic headline speakers, the event was attended by an impressive list of guests from the worlds of elite rugby, hockey, netball, cricket and cycling.
Among the group of special guests available for the networking event were two Class of '19 Old Oakhamians: Leicester Tigers and England rugby star Jack van Poortvliet and freelance sports journalist Imogen Ainsworth.
Parents found the event as helpful as their children in providing a rounded view of their children's life with the prospect of professional sport within it.
It is clear that those embarking on, or having the potential to embark on, a professional sports career cannot, and should not, simply concentrate on their dream to 'play sport'. The professional world can be wonderful but also incredibly demanding in ways beyond the game. There are opportunities but also pitfalls that need to be navigated and sometimes the path changes.
Oakham School has shown that they are leading the way to provide the whole picture to those embarking on this journey and we are incredibly impressed.
If you are interested in finding out more about Sport at Oakham School, please contact their Admissions Department on 01572 758758 or admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
