ARCHWAY School students of all ages experienced an inspirational visit from England International Cerebral Palsy football captain Jack Rutter.

Jack, a member of the England team that qualified Great Britain for the Paralympic Games in Rio this year, delivered a range of sessions to students from Year 7 to 13.

He explained his experience of professional football, from suffering a brain injury to being CP Captain, whilst also discussing the qualities of successful sports captaincy and problem solving tasks for the school’s established Sky Sports Living for Sport scheme.

James Jeffrey, the school’s sports development officer, said: “His message was greatly received and inspirational to all, enabling students greater understanding of possible experiences throughout their educational life. Students involved today left with a great realisation of how to achieve goals even if they change within or without your control.

“Jack’s manner and rapport with students ensured a relaxed environment for them to truly understand his experiences and how these will relate to their school and home life, assisting in setting their objectives for the future.”

Year 7 student Ben Wood, who has cerebral palsy, enjoyed a one-to-one meeting with Jack before being presented with a signed pair of boots and England shirt.

And students who had completed a course of work relating to Jack’s experiences were able to present their efforts and share thoughts as to how the work has benefitted their outlook on life.

Before Christmas, the school was visited by Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentor Ruth Owen-Evans.

Ruth, a cross country mountain biking triathlete, visited the school as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport Scheme to help deliver a range of workshops to students throughout the school.

She said: “We have developed a strong ethos in recruiting inspirational and influential visitors to school to help enhance student’s experience of school life, we aim to continue this to the benefit of school community in years to come.”

Ruth coaches elite athletes at Hartpury College.