On Tuesday 22nd October 2013 Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Rhinos legend Keith Senior, visited Selby High School to give an inspirational talk to over 220 students about his career achievements.
He illustrated his motivational speech with his life experiences. His early adult life was not as promising as it might have been, he made mistakes at school and left school with no qualifications. His choices, were therefore limited. He started work as a HGV mechanic on a Youth Training Scheme before he was lucky enough to be spotted as a potential Rugby League player.
His story to the Selby High School students outlined his realisation that he needed commitment, ambition and sacrifices to become a successful professional Rugby player. Keith continued to explain that through his hard work and dedication he got the opportunity to travel the world, including to Papa New guinea and Australia.
As a result he enjoyed privileges that he wouldn’t have experienced had he not strived to achieve his goals, he even enjoyed Disneyland Florida on a special opening just for the England team!
Derek Block, Selby High School, Subject Leader for PE commented: "From the schools perspective every aspect of the opportunity ran very smoothly. The students (and staff) were 'buzzing' from seeing Keith around school in the morning and he was great with the pupils demands for autographs and photos.
"Speaking to several of the pupils after the presentation it definitely had an impact on their outlook not only towards school but on their drive to achieve and be better."
To find out more information about Leeds Rugby Foundation's work within High School's please email Danny.Edmondson@leedsrugbyfoundation.org.