Mansfield nurtures teenage sporting starlet 

A 14-year-old girl from Mansfield is carving a path to sporting stardom thanks to a scheme that helps to nurture potential local talent. 

Isla Brook is proving to be one of the most exciting multi‑talented athletes in the country, competing at a national level across basketball, volleyball and handball – and rising fast in every discipline. 

Her development has been boosted by generous local support from Mansfield District Council and its partners, Leisure Solutions Community Trust, via the International Sports Person Pass scheme. 

This has allowed Isla a free full year’s gym membership at Oak Tree Leisure Centre in Mansfield where she trains and coaches alongside teammates in the Mansfield Giants basketball team. 

The teenager has a growing list of sporting achievements: 

• Represented England in volleyball alongside starring for Ashfield Vipers. 

• Selected to join the Team England Volleyball Pathway and England Under‑18 training camps.    

• Chosen to join the England Handball Talent Pathway. 

• Invited to train with the prestigious England Aspire Programme for promising basketball players.  

Beyond the court, Isla is also an inspiring role model. She holds her Level 1 Basketball Coaching Qualification and regularly volunteers as an assistant coach, helping younger players learn, improve and enjoy their sport 

Dan Richards, her coach at the Mansfield Giants basketball team, a former England player who also previously benefited from the International Sports Person Pass, said: “Isla’s sporting journey is defined by outstanding skill, relentless discipline and a genuine passion to be the very best version of herself.  

“Her growing list of achievements reflects not just natural ability, but the hard work she puts in every single week. For young athletes everywhere, Isla is proof that you don’t have to choose just one sport – and that with heart and hard work, the sky is the limit. 

“To be chosen to play for your country in an overseas cup final at just 14 is an extraordinary milestone for someone of her age. 

“She also inspires others through leading by example – showing exactly what can be achieved when talent meets effort, determination and commitment.” 

Cllr Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Environment, added: “We are delighted that our International Sports Person Pass is helping to support Isla in reaching sporting success at the highest level. 

“This investment underscores what supporting Isla is all about: backing a dedicated young local athlete who gives back to her community every step of the way.” 

Isla has been on the International Sports Person Pass for about a month and hopes her free access to the gym will help her reach her goals by building up strength and flexibility. She said: “All of my sports are high impact, therefore you can never have enough strength training.  

“My life would not be as enjoyable if sport wasn’t a major part of it. Competing and training are what I like to call my happy places. It brings me so much joy, a feeling of accomplishment. There is no better feeling than staying fit, being a meaningful part of a team and working together as a team to create positive results. 

“It is difficult at times to keep up with all the training as well as school, but I feel the commitment to training has taught me to be disciplined and focused, and these skills help me in all areas of my life, including school.” 

Isla is now hoping to continue her England Pathway journeys, and her goal would be to win a sports scholarship to a university or college in the USA to help take her talent to the next level.   

She said: “My ambition in sport is to continue giving my all. I also have a real passion to continue obtaining my coaching qualifications, it is very rewarding to pass on your knowledge and passion to others wishing to learn a new sport.   

“To other people of my age who would like to be more active, I would say ‘give it a go’. There are sports and training out there for all abilities. You can work towards your goals at your own pace, and, in the process, you can have fun and meet new friends.” 

Paralympian champion Charlotte Henshaw is among significant beneficiaries of the International Sports Person Pass in Mansfield. Find out more about the scheme at: https://www.mansfield.gov.uk/leisure-services/international-sports-persons-pass-1.