England women's rugby star inspires Hartlepool teens

The England ‘A’ captain visited pupils at St Hild’s Church of England School on Monday in her role as an Athlete Mentor with the Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative.

Student Callem Browless, 15, said: “It’s been a really good session. I’ve learnt lots of things about motivation and how team-working skills can really benefit you.

“It’s been a great experience and I will take away with me the message about working with other people.”

The Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative is a free scheme open to secondary schools in the UK and Ireland that use sports stars as inspirational role models.

Katy worked with a group of Year 11 boys involved in the school’s Likely Lads intervention programme, which was set up to improve the academic attainment of pupils.

The sports star spent time working with pupils in the classroom before taking part in a series of team-building activities.

Despite her extensive rugby achievements which also include winning a record four consecutive Six Nations titles and two European Championships, Katy struggled with her body image throughout school and was always embarrassed by her size and strength.

But she was introduced to rugby in her first year at Newcastle University and never looked back.

She said: “I hope my experiences have helped the young people I meet recognise the type of person they want to be and given them the drive and determination to succeed.”