'Balls to That'
Posted on: April 24th 2019School News
By Andrew Bird, Head of Junior School PE and Games
Representatives from Sale Sharks, who have been delivering a Mental Health Workshop for nearly two years, visited MGS on Wednesday 24 April as part of their 'Balls to That' seminars, providing boys and staff with an increased level of awareness of mental health.
To have current England Rugby international Denny Solomona speaking to over 25 of our Sixth Form boys brought out some honest reflections and was certainly a powerful session for all involved.
Accompanied by Craig Monaghan, a highly-decorated veteran and also current Deaf Sport international, the group talked through everyday challenges and discussed various coping strategies. This is a hot topic at the moment and the PE & Games Department felt this is an area we should provide development in for our pupils and staff.
Current Sixth Form pupil Matt Arrowsmith, who plays senior rugby and often referees our junior age groups teams, said: "I was lucky enough to meet Denny Solomona today as he spoke very openly about his mental health issues and how he overcame them. One thing that stuck with me was the stats on male suicide and it was a real pleasure to hear him talk about things that often get swept under the carpet."