As part of the 14th School Games National Finals, taking place 2-5 September, Youth Sport Trust have launched a Mentor Programme, which has been designed to offer this year’s athletes a one-on-one virtual session with either School Games alumni or high-profile athletes.
Through this initiative, the athletes have the opportunity to ask their mentor any questions they might have about competing at a professional level, and to settle any nerves ahead of the event in September.
The initiative was launched on Tuesday 10 August with Vitality Rose Gabby Marshall paired with one of this year’s netball athletes Izzi.
Gabby developed a love for netball from the age of four, and now has several years of experience under her belt from competing at the top of her sport. Her international career began when she was selected for England’s U17 side.
Following the session, Gabby commented: “I learnt just as much from Izzi as she learnt from me.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with her a few days before the School Games to hear about how she has implemented some of the tools and advice I have given her.
“Good luck at this year’s School Games National Finals, Izzi.”
Izzi’s love for her sport is undeniable and following the challenging year that all young athletes have been through, her dedication and determination has shone through.
Following their initial mentoring session, Izzi commented: “I learnt so much from Gabby.
“I was able to ask her questions about competing professional, playing alongside education and what to expect with several major tournaments coming up.
“I look forward to using the advice that Gabby has given me, which will hopefully lead me to compete alongside her one day.”
You can watch Gabby and Izzi’s mentoring session on the Youth Sport Trust YouTube channel.
The netball competition begins at 10am on Friday 3 September and features 10 under 15 teams, with representation from nine Vitality Netball Superleague sides.
This year’s National Finals competition will all be livestreamed through the Youth Sport Trust YouTube channel. All the fixtures are available to view here.
For more information on the event and livestreaming visit www.schoolgamesfinals.org. You can also join in the conversation online by using #2021SG and following @_SchoolGames and @YouthSportTrust.
