Kettering schoolboy awarded star status by sporting charity for his ‘zeal, passion, positivity and joy’

The Mintridge Foundation, that has worked with thousands of children across all age groups across the country, runs a mentoring programme for pupils.

As part of the scheme Hayfield Cross CE School student David Oduavwoya was chosen to be mentored by Commonwealth gold medal-winning 100m runner Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker.

David, a Year 6 pupil, was picked to receive the mentee of the year award for 2025, the Smith Shield, and the title SmithSTAR.

Mintridge Foundation founder Alex Wallace said: “We work across the country with thousands of different children. It was David’s infectious enthusiasm, arriving with such zeal. He was really polite and he respected the opportunity he was given."

During the mentoring sessions – in person and online – David blossomed.

Raphael Brown, David’s class teacher, said: “He became more confident about life and learning. It helped him realise that he is good at things. He understands there’s a spark within him. It’s lovely.”

Surprised with the presentation in front of the whole school and his proud parents David was pleased to win.

He said: “I’m feeling great. It was a surprise. I thought it could be myself or someone else, but I was hoping it was me. I think I got it for my attitude.”

Alex added: “He can take this confidence into secondary school.

"Using sporting role models, harnessing their pzazz with messages about resilience and authenticity, we can deliver the same messages as teachers but it’s coming from someone with a shining medal.”

The Smith Shield is named in honour of a former Mintridge Foundation staff member Katie Smith.