Year 4 pupils from St Johns and St Francis Primary School were joined by Somerset County Cricket Club professional cricketer Fin Hill this week, to test out their cricketing skills and apply what they have learnt from the STUMPY programme this term. SCF Coach Will Anning has been visiting the school for the last 4 weeks, delivering a classroom session followed by a cricket practical afterwards. Pupils are following the ‘STUMPY’ framework – strength, teamwork, uniqueness, motivation, problem solving and yourself (self awareness) – a programme supported by the WPA Foundation.
Fin’s visit was a welcomed addition to the session, with pupils hearing his inspiring story of his journey to achieving his lifelong dream. He spoke the dedication and resilience required in his career and encouraged the participants to apply these lessons to their own goals and ambitions. The children had the opportunity to ask plenty of questions and have a photo with the cricketing star.
Melisa Bryant, year 6 class teacher at St John & St Francis Church School said:
“Firstly, a massive thank you to you both for yesterday. We were so excited to welcome Fin to join us yesterday. The children were absolutely buzzing with excitement all day! Also, I want to thank you, Will, for all of your brilliant coaching this term. We know, as always, the exceptional standard of coaching you deliver to our children and once again, we’ve been blown away by how much the children have engaged and enjoy these sessions. It is honestly one of the things I enjoy the most each year.”
Will Anning, Somerset Cricket Foundation Coach & Club Development Officer – Junior Cricket Lead said:
“Thanks to the WPA Foundation, we are able to deliver a 6 week PSHE ‘STUMPY’ programme which encourages the children to reflect on their current lives. This week, we were discussing our dreams for the future so to have Fin there as someone who’s dedicated to achieving their dream acted as a great role model to the students. I’d like to pass my thanks onto Fin, for his enthusiasm in inspiring the next generation, and all the staff and students of St John & St Francis who have been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive in our STUMPY sessions.”
Charlie MacEwan, Chief Executive of The WPA Foundation said:
“The WPA Foundation wants to make a difference promoting great health amongst the young so it is a pleasure to support the Somerset Cricket Foundation taking cricket into Somerset schools. The ‘icing on the cake’ is when pupils are presented with cricket kits by their heroes like Fin. Congratulations and thank you all.”
