Sporting Futures inspires pupils at Oakham School

An impressive line-up of sporting talent has been inspiring teenage pupils.

The ‘Sporting Futures’ event organised by Oakham School included England and Leicester Tigers rugby star Jack van Poortvliet, GB hockey player Matt Ramshaw, and para badminton player Yasmin Eissa.

Each talked about their sporting career to an audience of more than 100 pupils aged 15 to 18, and their families.

Ashley Light also gave the youngsters strategic guidance drawn from his experience of helping New Zealand double its Olympic medal count over two decades.

The talks were followed by a networking session, in which pupils had the opportunity to talk to university reps, professional coaches and elite athletes.

Dr Iain Simpson, head of sports partnerships at Oakham School, said it has been fantastic to see Sporting Futures - now in its third year - grow into such an important event for pupils.

He added: “We’re proud to offer an event that helps young athletes and their families make sense of the journey ahead, especially when it comes to balancing sport and studies.”