Laura was so honest in this interview and I hope that this will bring so much relatable content to you.

Just this Summer we saw Simone Biles, arguably the GOAT, the best gymnast we have ever seen get 'The Twisties' and once again, social media did it's worst.  Comments like "she bottled it", "get back out there", "she's letting her team down".  These comments are usually made by people that haven't competed in professional sport, and NEVER by someone that has experienced similar in their lives.

Laura experienced this in her trampolining, she was having nightmares, she couldn't get on the trampoline for 10 months!  And, when she did, she was wildly out of control as she puts it.

She took herself away from the sport and actually took up hockey to get her mind away from everything.  She said she had so many things going on, the pressure of being a junior world champion and this euphoria, to then not being able to get onto a trampoline.  That must have been so tough for her.

Laura talks about her injury history and discovering she has coeliac disease and an under-active thyroid.  She has had so many setbacks along the way, but this culminated in her competing at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.  This didn't go quite the way she wanted it to and has set her sights on the World Championships and even Paris in 2024, and I know that she will give it everything she can to get there.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

I could have finished the podcast after the first answer Amy gave as it was so different.  Amy talked so passionately about the passion and emotional side of sport, how connected she feels with her teammates on and off the field, and what sport means to her.

This episode has reinforced my belief that there is a sport or physical activity for every child out, we just have to find it.  It has so much to offer both physically, mentally, and socially. 😁

Firstly a huge thank you for listening into the first series of ‘The School Run’ podcast.

 

This episode is a summary of my key takeaways and my reflections from the brilliant guests I have spoken to.

 

During the episode I go into:

 

Why did I start the podcast?

Olympics and our young athletes talking about having fun

Fun and enjoyment – 13 year skater Sky Brown “Be brave, Be strong. Have fun and do it because you love it.

Kate Alder, heartbeat of the team

Failure and resilience

You can’t be what you can’t see – The Hundred

We can all make a difference

Stuart Pearce

 

I have loved speaking to my amazing guest, they have inspired me, and I have learned a huge amount from speaking with them.

 

What did you enjoy from series one, what questions would you like answered?

 

Who would you like to see in the next series?

 

If you want to find out more about me and my business the links are below:

 

www.inspiredschools.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/benkirk8/

https://www.instagram.com/inspiredschools/

https://twitter.com/benkirk8

https://twitter.com/inspiredschools

https://www.facebook.com/inspiredschools

Stuart is the epitome of a thirst for knowledge, he admitted during the conversation that school wasn't for him and that he only went for the social life and sport.

But since then he has developed this thirst for knowledge and open mindest about taking on new ideas.  He attended every FA course he could go on and he has such drive to become the best coach he can be.

This is something that I am going to take on and incorporate into my own life and if I can instill these values into my daughters then I will be really happy in knowing that they will go through life, seeking knowledge with an open mind that they can always improve and develop themselves.  It is important that they find this themselves and as parents and teachers, we can provide the framework and enjoyment and ensure that we give them every chance to develop this mindset.  Also, we HAVE to adopt this mindset ourselves.

Through every failure there is a learning to take away, it is our job to find it and take the harder option by seeking it and wanting to improve.  Accept that you can always get better.

Stuart's partner, Carol's book - Joe Junior and the Dream Team - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1800941846

“In my 63-cap career, I’d been on the losing side only eight times, won six Six Nations tournaments, played in two World Cup finals (2006 was the first) and won the England Player of the Year award – a pretty good return in anyone’s book, but not mine.”

This was the standout quote from Catherine's book and one we delved into during the podcast.  It was really refreshing to hear her speak so honestly about the disappointment she experienced from not winning the Rugby World Cup and one that she still hasn't come to terms with.  I can empathise with this, as when I was 17 I was dropped for a National Final at Goodison Park, despite playing and scoring in the semi-final.  I'm not bitter honest!  But I remember the feeling of not wanting the team to win, and the player in my position to have a poor game.  I know, I'm not proud of this at all.  But I think this is relevant and only as I matured was I able to feel truly happy for other people's success and I believe this is a really important life skill to learn.  There is a lot of jealousy out there, particularly at other's success, and only when we are truly happy with our lives can we fully be happy for others.

I loved this conversation with Catherine, she had a wonderful career and it speaks volumes about her drive and determination that she wanted more. Hopefully, in years to come, she will be able to look back and fully appreciate the amazing career she had, and the brilliant person she is.

Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mud-Maul-Mascara-Country-Lived/dp/1783528133/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=catherine+spencer&qid=1626875138&s=books&sr=1-1

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cathspence8?lang=en

This episode with Jason Graystone is a very different one to what we are used to on 'The School Run' podcast, but it was an opportunity that was too good to pass up.  I found it fascinating, it really enforces my belief that there is something in sport out there for everyone.  Jason didn't engage with sport or PE at school, but later found individual exercise and is something he continues to enjoy today.  For us, as educators, we need to find every child's passion at school, so that they can find something active that they love. Moreover, traditional schooling is not for everyone and I find what Jason teaches fascinating and it is something that has transformed my own finances and outlook on life.

Jason helps people achieve true financial independence and live their most inspired life.Jason Graystone started his first business at 22 years old. Since then, he has built multimillion-dollar businesses online as well as in the service sector.  As well as being a successful entrepreneur, Jason is a professional investor, speculator, and angel investor. His love for investing allowed him to become completely financially free by the time he was 30 years old.  Jason has spoken on some of the world's most reputable stages in the investing space as well as universities, schools, and for some large corporations including the MET police.

It was a fascinating insight into Jason's experience at school, and his journey into what he does now.  The school system didn't really help Jason to find his true calling in life, but it is one of his missions and passions to help find financial freedom through the lessons he teaches.

To find out more about Jason, check out his social media channels.

YouTube - JasonGraystone

Instagram - J_Graystone

Twitter - JasonGraystone

LinkedIN - JasonGraystone

Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/always-free/id1457532367

Enjoy...

If I wanted to bat longer, I had to get better!There were 2 key takeaways that really resonated with me during my conversation with Neil Burns, former Somerset, Essex, and Leicestershire wicket keeper batsman.Neil was hugely successful during his career and regarded by many as the best wicket keep batsman not to play for England.This then relates to the first point, which Neil believes helped him on his way to becoming a professional cricketer, which was playing with 7 of his close friends from his neighbourhood.  They would go to the local park, behind Neil's house and play cricket and other sports for hours and hours.  Neil said that if you wanted to bat for longer, then simply you had to get better, there was nothing else he or the others players could do, but to improve.  They managed the games themselves and it would lead to arguments, tears, and tantrums, with children trudging off home if they were out and wanted to bat longer.  But this ruthless approach is reality, if you're out, you're out!  If you don't get a job, that's it, you try again.  For those that make successful careers, they have this outlook, 'I have to get better, 'I need to improve'.  Others will often look for excuses as to why something hasn't gone their way, and then do not see the same growth.  This win/lose environment was crucial to Neil becoming the player he was, but he also mentioned that his close friends all went on to play high-level sports, not professionally like Neil did.  But instead, they forged successful careers in different fields, and whilst Neil couldn't categorically say that sport had anything to do with their success, there is no doubt in my mind, that it played a big part.The second point was opportunities.  Neil has coached cricket in the townships in South Africa and talks about sport being a universal language.  I know I bang this drum a lot, but I'd like you to reflect on your school and whether you feel you provide enough extra-curricular opportunities to the children to experience clubs and playing sport with friends.  As Neil pointed out, which I had never thought of previously there is so much for the children to enjoy, and the feeling of scoring a goal, or the clean impact of a ball hitting the bat and flying for 6.  This on top of the social and personal skills that can be developed is so important.

"You can't be what you can't see"Following my conversation with Sophie Luff, Somerset Women's team cricket captain, I love this quote and what it means to girls growing up wanting to play sport.We are in a far better position now with women's sport than we were when I was growing up.  There are more matches on TV, it's more accessible, but there are still barriers to participation.Sophie played in boys teams growing up and I wasn't sure how to best ask her about this, because it made me feel a little uncomfortable knowing that there were not 'all girls' teams for her to play in.  However, Sophie looks back really fondly on those memories and she captained her school team, in which she was the only girl.However, there were other barriers and she mentioned that parents would sometimes make comments on her playing, that she was only playing because she's a girl.  When actually, she was more than good enough as her career has proven, but more than this it never came from the boys and they just saw her as a member of the team.  It reinforces to me how much children learn from their parents and others, whether it is beliefs that girls are not as good as boys at sport or negative perceptions of what PE at school was like for them being passed on.This takes me then to the "you can't be what you can't see".  There are still so many barriers to participation for girls.  In my re-cap (link below), I talk about girl-only clubs, or children that are less confident in sport.  It isn't always about performance and schools need to start providing more opportunities for children to take part in sport and be active.I've talked and written many times about my belief that schools should have a broad club offering, catering to all children, not just the 'sporty' ones.Sophie's hero is Marcus Trescothick and being a Somerset boy myself, this is an amazing choice!  However, it did surprise me that it wasn't a female cricketer that Sophie identified.  It says to me that whilst there is absolutely no problem having a male hero if you are a girl or vice versa, there is still is a long way to go and more female athletes need to be 'seen' so that more girls can aspire to 'be' like their heroes.  This doesn't have to be as a player, but also we need more female coaches, more female pundits, and keep smashing down barriers.

Following my conversation with Steve Phillips, 3 parts of the podcast episode stuck out for me:1.  Life SkillsSteve is a little bit of a throw back in his coaching and his philosophy.  But I like that.  He isn't afraid to really challenge the children he works with, make it physically tough for them and ingrain a work ethic that will serve them well not only in their footballing career but also their life in general.2. Parents putting too much pressure on their childrenSteve has created a culture around his players and their parents, where they are supportive and not critical.  I asked Steve where we draw the between wanting to win, but also valuing the process of becoming the best goalkeeper they can be. This is very closely related to what we do.  We are all about children finding something they love, enjoying being active and finding a sport or activity that they can enjoy and continue through the rest of their lives.  But this needs to be balanced with challenge and failure.  We cannot wrap our children in cotton wool, they need to learn how to deal with failure, see it is a chance to improve and grow.  But I agree with Steve, in that we must create fun environments where children are able to express themselves.3. Xbox!What was very clear is that Steve hates the Xbox!  His son is obsessed as he describes it and we can all think back to when we grew up, 'the good old days'!  When they were not as prevalent in society.  But how can we use today's technology to our advantage?  Xbox's certainly aren't going anywhere!Please send us you suggestions. PLEASE?!

We can all make a differenceIt is easy to underestimate the impact we can have on young people's lives.Following my conversation with Lora Fachie for The School Run Podcast, she highlighted the impact that a support worker at her secondary school had on her life.  He became her guide runner and sounded like he was full of life, humor and clearly made a massive difference to Laura.I think when we are working in schools, we forget, or as I mentioned underestimate the impact we can have on young people's lives.  Whether you are a headteacher, classroom teacher, sports coach, teaching assistant, lunch-time supervisor, or parent, we can all make a difference.I started an external club at a central venue and it was for children that excelled in PE across my hometown, Bridgwater. My idea behind this was to bring everyone together and try to challenge them, get them competing against one another, building relationships, and prepare them for secondary school sport.  It was on a Thursday evening, and I was working in a school in quite a deprived area during the day.  There were some children at said school that I really wanted to attend the club, but I knew that they would struggle to get there if it meant relying on parents.  I did what anyone would do and offered those children a lift, so they didn't miss out.  2 boys, in particular, stand out here and I won't mention their names, but one was from a traveler family and the other's dad had been in jail and mum was an addict.  The second boy wasn't the most talented, but his knowledge of every sport, understanding of tactics and I knew he would get so much out of the club meant that I wanted him to attend.  The first boy was the most talented I've ever worked with, a bit of a 'street kid', he would be out until all hours, playing football with his older brothers and he was brilliant.  He had refined his skills and technique, just by practising.  He was fiery, but could turn his hand to anything, sports he had never played before, he was a natural athlete and could pick things up really quickly.I'm telling you this because sport was their outlet, they LOVED it and they are both now in their final years of secondary school and if I ever see them, they always say hello and it is clear to me that I've made a difference in their lives.  Just by doing something really simple.The message from this is that no matter your role or job within a school, do it to your maximum.  I am guilty of not being present enough with my daughters, work taking over, but my goal this year is to be more present when they are home.  I always work to give the maximum impact on the business and I need to start seeing parenting as the same, give them my undivided attention and be the best Dad I can.The same can be said if you are on the playground at lunchtime, or volunteering at your child's team, taking a PE lesson, give it everything and the impact you will have on young people is immeasurable.  Be the difference.