"Big changes come from hundreds of tiny steps..."
As part of our Futures programme we are committed to encouraging girls to explore all that is out there and to ‘forge their future’, whatever that path may be. Our mission is to ignite passions and expand horizons. The evening was more than just a careers talk, it was an exploration of how women can lead in industries often dominated by men.
By connecting our pupils with women operating at the highest levels of sport, we are not just teaching them about careers—we are showing them their own potential.
We were privileged to be joined by three experts, representing the incredible breadth of the sporting world.
The evening was opened by Georgina Impson Davey, the Lead Performance Nutritionist for the Great Britain Cycling Team. Having played a key role in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 (delivering the innovative ‘Bites for Bikes’ programme), she shared how evidence-based nutrition helps fuel Olympic dreams. It was inspiring to hear about how Georgina turned her passions of food and sport into a successful career, and encouraged the girls to do the same!
We then heard from Ali O’Boyle, a powerhouse of sports entrepreneurship and community engagement, Ali is the Director of South Coast Sports Coaching Ltd and South Coast Sports Coastal CIC. Her journey from coach at 15 to running a multi-faceted sporting organisation highlighted the sheer passion and determination she possesses.
Ali is passionate about making sport accessible to children and young people, but also breaking down barriers for women and girls in sport. Her key takeaway was to not wait around for opportunities but to seize and create these yourself!
To round up our speeches of the evening, we heard from former Commonwealth Games gymnast, turned Head of Sport Engagement, Grace Harrison. She offered a unique perspective on her journey from international competition to sports psychology. With a first class degree from Loughborough and a Masters, she now inspires the next generation to master their craft. Her closing words, that will definitely stick with us all, was that “Big changes come from hundreds of tiny steps, and they ALL matter.” and encouraged girls to have the confidence to say ‘yes’ even when Plan A changes.
The evening concluded with a vibrant Q&A session, where students engaged with our guests, exploring everything from physiological needs of female athletes to advice they would give their younger selves.
At Sydenham High, we don’t just prepare girls for the world as it is, we prepare them to shape it. Through our Elevate Curriculum and impactful mentoring, we continue to foster the “fearless” spirit that defines our community.
Whether our girls choose to become professional athletes, industry leaders, or lifelong amateur enthusiasts, they leave these sessions with the self-belief and transferable skills needed to pivot, grow, and lead.
