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Shaping the next generation of athletes International rugby icon Ben Youngs returns to Gresham’s as the new head of performance sport
Cambridge Edition: Tell us about your new role at Gresham’s School. Ben Youngs: I’m excited to be returning to Gresham’s, where I was once a pupil, to take on the head of performance sport position. I’ll be working across a range of sports – including hockey, netball, cricket and rugby – mentoring and supporting pupils in reaching their full potential. CE: How did your time at Gresham’s influence your development? BY: It was a huge influence, both on and off the pitch. On the sports field, I had two brilliant coaches who really encouraged me to aim high and chase my dreams – there were no limits with them. Beyond sports, I really developed in the classroom as well
To book a tour, please email admissions@ greshams.com or call 01263 714614. Or register for our open mornings by visiting greshams.com . Prep School open morning Friday 2 May; Senior School open morning Saturday 3 May BY: First and foremost, I want to teach humility. It’s such an important quality; one I’ve always valued. I also want pupils to be competitive, but focus on challenging themselves rather than others. Finally, I’ll encourage them to pursue their goals and not put limits on what they can achieve. CE: How will your experience of playing for England and the Lions be incorporated into your new role? BY: I tackled playing for England and the Lions with huge enthusiasm, and that’s exactly what I want to bring to this role. I want to challenge the pupils and help them fully commit to what they’re doing, whether it’s on the pitch or in other areas of their lives. The skills they develop – like dedication and resilience – can be carried with them into whatever path they choose. CE: What three things are you hoping to instil in pupils? – learning essential skills like decision- making, presenting and listening to others; all valuable skills in play and in life. CE: What do you hope to achieve through mentoring the pupils? BY: I’ve spent a long time working in high-performance environments and experienced highs and lows along the way. I want to share those experiences with the pupils to help them unlock their potential and build up their confidence so they can be the best version of themselves. We’ll also work on setting goals, staying motivated, trusting their instincts, as well as building mental and physical strength.
PASSING IT FORWARD Youngs (right) brings not only his on-field expertise but also his deep understanding of the school, offering pupils an unparalleled opportunity to excel
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