"Katrina tries hard but shows no natural talent." This line haunts me from my school PE report. And still rings true today. So, the irony isn't lost on me as I write about the power of sports teams.
Because despite my lack of skills, playing hockey is one of my fondest memories. I still remember the thrill of buzzing around a freezing field, trying to dodge an injury as our opponents ran circles around us. But it was all worth it because I felt part of something.
For the first time, I experienced the magic of being in a team. Win or lose, we were in it together. We bonded by being the underdog, knowing each other strengths and having each others back. We looked to make each aspect fun; from training, to coach journeys to game day - it was about showing up for your team mates and enjoying the process rather than focusing on the outcome.
And when we did win, it felt incredible. Unlike our peers who were used to it, our victories were rare and sweet, true triumphs after hard fought battles.
And it was my earliest taste of leadership. There’s no greater lesson in motivation, then convincing your team to keep going when there 10-0 down in horizontal sleet, being battered by the opposition. You quickly realise people look to you to set standards for how you operate and how crucial it is you set the right tone - in training, on the field, in victory and in defeat.
So this week, I’ve changed the format up again, to focus on one show which to me epitomises the true spirit of sport and the lessons we can all take away from it.
Watched: Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams On Tour
The original documentary follows former England cricketer Freddie Flintoff as he returns to Preston to start a cricket team with a group of underprivileged and inexperienced teenagers. Slowly he builds their confidence and gets them playing as a team. You watch as the boys learn about themselves, discover what they can achieve and the power of working towards a common goal. It’s a real tear jerker.
This season, they head to Kolkata, one of the most revered cricketing nations in the world to compete with the locals. In episode one, you watch on as they adapt to local surroundings, taking each day step by step. One thing is clear: the love of cricket bonds the teenagers together and supporting their team mates is key, if they want to make it through the trip.
Another aspect of the show is Freddie’s return after his accident in 2022. He speaks openly about the impact on both his physical and mental health. And why this trip has taken on new meaning for him. Watching him get lost in the joy of gully cricket is a poignant moment that shows how transformative sport can be. As Freddie mentors the boys, you see how much he grows from working with them.
Whilst cricket is the starting point, each moment highlights the broader benefits of sports, including resilience, personal growth and connection. Flintoff sums it up perfectly:
“Everyone thinks that sport is different to everything else. It’s not. It’s like life. Commit to it. Enjoy it. Be a good person. Help other people. It’s no different.”
So Wat? action:
There is no I in team - Be the teammate who is encouraging, shares expertise and works towards the collective goal. When you’ve got the support of your team, it boosts your confidence and makes the tough times more bearable knowing you’re not in it alone.
The magic of mentorship - Look for everyday opportunities to mentor others, whether its a new teammate or someone considering a career change. Offer your guidance in an approachable way - a coffee chat or shadowing opportunity.
Remember it can be mutually beneficial so be open to what you could learn during the process, seeking to understand the mentee’s perspective to help build your own knowledge and empathy.
Find your tribe - This does not just have to be in sport but can be anything you share an interest in. Whether its new or favoured pastime finding people to share what you love will enhance the experience. At work this could be as simple as setting up a slack channel and inviting people to join.
Being part of a collective, may give you confidence to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new perspectives and encourage you to keep going when you feel like quitting. Undoubtedly you’ll make new friendships and share memories for years to come.