I’D like to thank the pupils and teachers at Devizes School in Devizes for making me feel so welcome during my visit on April 8. It was a real delight to see the children get so involved in Sky Sports Living for Sport, delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, and hear from the kids themselves just how much of a positive impact the initiative has had on their lives.

In my role as athlete mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport I am privileged to meet with young people, like the pupils I met in Devizes School yesterday, and share in their journey towards achieving their dreams and ambitions. I would like to take this chance to congratulate the students for their hard work, and urge them to keep focussed on achieving their goals.

Physical education does so much more for kids above and beyond improving fitness levels, and the pupils in Devizes School showed me just how true this is. Our session encouraged them to see how they can apply life skills they learn in sport such as focus, confidence and respect for rules to other areas of their lives. With the right attitude they can achieve anything they set their mind to. I came away feeling really inspired.

Sport made a huge impression on me when I was growing up, and taking my story to schools to explain how the skills you learn through sport can be transferred to other aspects of your life is a huge buzz.

It isn’t just about talent. Hard work, self-belief, determination and passion are all needed to achieve goals, sporting or otherwise. Initiatives like Sky Sports Living for Sport are about teaching children to strive to be the best that they can be.

JO YAPP England Women’s rugby star & Athlete mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport