An acclaimed former Yorkshire batsman told students at his former school to ‘work hard, learn the value of resilience and enjoy life’ during Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week.
Ashley Metcalfe, a renowned former first-class cricketer, and current chief executive of British Weightlifting, spoke to an audience of students, parents and staff during Bradford Grammar School’s prestigious annual Speech Day.
Ashley said: “When I was asked by the headmaster to talk about the advice that really made a difference to my life, I referred to a colleague who said she ‘woke up every morning and chose her own attitude’ – she chose to be positive. I think this is very powerful, that you can chose to maximise opportunities and you’re in the driving seat.
“I’ve always found the notion of success interesting. It means different things to different people. To one person they may associate it with career progression. Personally, I like to leave a business in a stronger position than when I first started – to build something. If you can learn to deal with failure the same way you deal with success, then the world’s your oyster.”
The school has recently seen major upgrades of its cricket, netball, tennis and hockey facilities as well as a new sports enclosure.
Ashley added: “I can see this is an exciting time for sport at Bradford Grammar School. My years as a professional cricketer provided me with a solid foundation for comradery and team spirit. I can see this at BGS. The sport also gives their students the self-confidence to learn from their mistakes and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. This instils resilience, both physical and mental, which is invaluable for adult life.”
After leaving Bradford Grammar School (BGS), Ashley played for Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) from 1983 to 1995. He won his Yorkshire cap in 1986, the year he was voted the Cricket Writers’ Club ‘Young Cricketer of the Year’ and scored a half century in his only appearance for England Young Cricketers in 1983. His professional playing career saw him amass 11,938 runs for Yorkshire and latterly Nottinghamshire.
Returning to his Yorkshire roots, he said: “It was a great honour to be back at Bradford Grammar School and a real pleasure to see how the school has developed over the years, particularly the new sporting facilities. It was lovely to speak to such genuinely enthusiastic students.”
Simon Hinchliffe, BGS Headmaster said: “We were delighted to welcome Ashley back to BGS. His visit has been a great success with overwhelmingly positive feedback. He is a compelling speaker with a wealth of experience and wisdom drawn from his professional and personal life.”
“I can see this is an exciting time for sport at Bradford Grammar School. My years as a professional cricketer provided me with a solid foundation for comradery and team spirit. I can see this at BGS.
The sport also gives their students the self-confidence to learn from their mistakes and adapt quickly to changing circumstances. This instils resilience, both physical and mental, which is invaluable for adult life.”
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