Amalie’s story

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust programmes puts world class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people, equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures – and for Amalie at Cambourne College, our AQA Unlocking Potential programme, in partnership with AQA, offered her an inspirational role model in her athlete mentor and improved her confidence.  

Across our programmes, our athlete mentors are a teammate like no other, using their experiences from elite sport they are able to help students realise their full potential. Liz Cann, former professional badminton player who won two Commonwealth Gold medals worked with the students at Cambourne College.  

Helping Amalie to unlock her potential 

When Amalie started the AQA Unlocking Potential programme, she admitted that low motivation and low confidence was something that was really holding her back.  

She’s certainly not alone in feeling this way. A recent Trust survey showed that more than half of young people (51%) said a lack of confidence was a holding them back from doing the things they want to do. Our programmes boost wellbeing, increase confidence, strengthen resilience and build self-esteem so individuals can fulfil their true potential – and that’s exactly what it did for Amalie.  

Speaking about the start of the programme, Amalie said: “I really struggled with my motivation and lack of self-confidence, it was a big issue.” She shared that there were also contributing factors. When she was 5-years-old she was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome and the following years were difficult as she experienced anxiety, depression and isolation which led to her getting help for her symptoms. Amalie explained that life revolved around just managing her symptoms.  

As the programme started to pick up and she began to connect more and more with Liz, Amalie found the courage and confidence to make some big decisions. One of those decisions outside of college was continuing to follow her passion for dance by switching to a different dance school, which led to new friendships. Within school, Amalie rediscovered her love for physical activity and reignited her passion for art, a talent of hers which was noticed by her peers and teachers within the college.  

Speaking about her time with Amalie, Liz said: “It was great to work with Amalie, across the whole programme you really saw how she developed from session to session – that was a real highlight for me. Her journey reflects remarkable personal growth, and she now stands as a confident, capable young person with a bright and promising future.” 

Key milestones across the programme will stand Amalie in good stead 

The AQA Unlocking Potential Programme has multiple points where young people get to interact with other students in the same position. Whether it’s the launch event getting to know each other, or the midpoint event where the young people present their social action projects to the wider cohort – these opportunities are where the skills, tips and techniques are put into practice by the young people.  

During the AQA Unlocking Potential programme, students deliver a social action project. They will identify, plan and execute a project which is close to their hearts and that will benefit the local community. The group at Cambourne wanted to raise money for two charities that support children affected by war.  

It was a project that resonated with the whole group, but particularly Amalie. Speaking about the project, Amalie said: “I really wanted to do this project as my Mum and I hosted a family from Ukraine – knowing firsthand what having support during difficult periods can do, I wanted to make a difference.” 

With the project planned and ready to be presented, the midpoint event was where Amalie would get the chance to put into practice the skills  and techniques she learned on the programme. And, having Tourette’s Syndrome it could have been a daunting experience, but connecting with the confidence she was developing throughout the programme, Amalie took it all in her stride and delivered a great presentation along with her fellow students.  

“I know the midpoint event was deeply meaningful for Amalie. It allowed her to connect with other students and athlete mentors, whilst affirming her own growth. After the event Amalie was so happy and felt an immense feeling of pride and accomplishment,” explained Liz.  

When someone believes in you it’s incredible to see what they can do – Amalie’s growth across the programme shows the power of having an athlete mentor who believes in you. Aside from the social action project, Amalie’s performance in school sky-rocketed. In some recent exams in English, Maths and Science she achieved the highest possible grade, and she has also shown the confidence to step outside of her comfort zone and applied for a Sports Leader role within the school.  

At end of the programme we caught up with Amalie to see how she had progressed. After an exciting year filled with lots of growth, she was full of praise for her athlete mentor Liz, saying: “Liz made me feel more comfortable within the group. She also really helped me understand the broader benefits of sport, including confidence, focus, and motivation.” 

The Unlocking Potential programme is delivered in partnership with AQA. Following our successful 15-year partnership, AQA will be stepping away from the Unlocking Potential programme at the end of the academic year, as they refocus their charitable activity. We’re so proud of everything we have achieved together supporting many hundreds of young people across the UK through the programme and with this in mind, Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is actively exploring new funding partners to continue the positive impact of the programme.