Over the last year many stories have come to light about the experiences and achievements of our coaches at IFS. These have been humbling and inspiring – the quality and credentials of these individuals is truly gob-smacking!
Fortnightly we conduct mentor sessions in each of our stages. In a recent session with stage 2, the three football coaches of the group joined us. Each in turn spoke to the students about their football journey, beginning with their earliest experiences right up to the present day. Brad Porter, Damien Brown and Andre Gumprecht each have quite a story to tell, and whilst their stories differ in many ways, there are some common factors. Dedication, commitment, self-belief, disappointment, hard work, rejection and persistence are aspects in all of their stories – experiences and attitudes which have ultimately enabled the successes that they have each enjoyed.
One thing that Brad mentioned during his presentation was to do with ‘talent’. Brad asked the students what they thought ‘talent’ was. There were several great responses: “Being able to do something better than other people.”, “A gift.”, “Something you do that can be improved on.”, “Something that you’re really good at.” Finally Brad provided his explanation – “It’s about being able to do the exact right thing at exactly the right time.”
What an amazing thing it would be, to always be able to do this. Hearing Brad’s explanation, I felt that this rings true in so many ways and in so many different situations in life including, of course, the classroom. The number of times teachers find themselves explaining to students that they are not doing the ‘right’ thing, and/or it is not the ‘right’ time. How marvellous it would be to have our students always doing the right thing at the right time.
I very much enjoyed reading Greg Brownlow’s recent blog in which he referred to the IFS/ ITS coaching and academic philosophies. Every one of these points is meaningful and valid, but for me it is the third point where it all begins, if we are to truly become talented.
Give your best possible effort every single moment of every single day.
A motto of endeavour for every student, coach, teacher and member of staff at IFS/ITS.
Regards,
Rodney
Thanks Rodney, great reading ad great info that we can reflect on at home.
cheers
Fantastic post. My son has just started at IFS and is loving every moment. Unfortunately he received feedback from a friend that some of his peers at his old college had commented that they cannot believe that he got accepted into the IFS as he isn’t good enough. Well by the recent feedback email I received from his head teacher telling me what a wonderful young man he is, I go by Brad’s words… He tries to always do the right thing at the right time… Therefore in my eyes .. He is talented… The passion and commitment of all the staff at IFS is incredible .. Thank you