Shining Example of Sports Leadership

For the 3rd year running, Year 9 sports leaders from Hewett Academy have excelled in delivering a fun, inclusive and thrilling dodgeball event for 6 primary schools from the Inspiration Trust. Having travelled a variety of distances, around 120 students descended on Norwich with bundles of enthusiasm. The sports leaders greeted them with warm smiling faces and directed them to their ‘team base’. 

Once the event briefing had been given by Tom Wilkinson (Assistant Sports Coordinator) the student leaders supported both staff and students to enable them to be ready for the opening round of games. Being polite and showing great confidence in their role, the sports leaders were able to eagerly officiate, keep score, timekeep in addition to recording results. The role didn’t end there, the Hewett Academy students displayed a variety of sporting values and characteristics far beyond their age. Observing them both congratulate and commiserate with the young performers was a beautiful moment. 

Integrity was the sporting value being promoted to participants. Hewett Academy sports leaders were able to embody this as officials, whilst also demonstrating courage, inclusion, fairness and respect. A highlight of the day was when the student leaders stepped forward to award the medals and trophies to the winning teams. The year 9 sports leaders were, in turn, supported by Level 3 Sport and Physical Activity students from Sir Isaac Newton, who are also part of the Trust basketball academy. 

Paul Wayman, Inspiration Trust Sports Coordinator said:  

“Opportunities, here at the Inspiration Trust, we pride ourselves on giving young people the opportunity to be successful and experience a variety of leadership roles, particularly within sport. Supported by Sports Mentor, Miss Andrews, The Hewett Academy and Sir Isaac Newton sports leaders were a credit to themselves and their schools. Acting as positive role models for the primary-aged pupils really was a shining example of sports leadership and a major contributor to the players and staff leaving with big smiles on their faces.”