Motivational speaker inspires EFC Sport students

Back row: James Smith, Wesley Fox, John Hyatt, Derek Jelley, Billy Marsden, and Matthew Robinson-Jayes

Front Row: Matthew Lamarque and Jospeh Lascaris

Ex-professional rugby player Derek Jelley delivered an inspirational speech to 150 sports students at Epping Forest College on Thursday (14th March). He spoke about his experiences as a player for the Leicester Tigers, from the brutality of training to how a series of injuries forced him to retire at the age of 30. 

His debut match for the Tigers in 1993 saw him break his collarbone after just 16 minutes of play. After he returned from the career threatening injury he went on to make 141 appearances for the Tigers as a prop.

“We used to spend three days training before we found out who was going to be in the team for the game at the weekend and we use to hammer each other, so it was frustrating if you didn’t get selected for the squad.” 

After a five year first-team career with Leicester and the Rotherham Titans, Mr Jelley hit rock bottom after being hospitalised after a another traumatic shoulder injury. This setback eventually forced his early retirement from the game he loved in 2003. 

However, due to his competitive spirit and the will to succeed, he found something to replace rugby. Derek found work with a construction company, and after a few years’ hard work, he became the manager of a quarrying company in Leicestershire, which has become a thriving business. He also gives talks about his rugby career at corporate hospitality events.

His main message for the students was that they could achieve anything that they aspire to despite the odds and that the key to that is determination, hard work and perseverance.

Several sports students and members of staff asked him questions on the impact that his career had on his body, his diet and how he has progressed after retirement. 

Sports students were interested in the advice Derek gave them about what it takes to be  a top sports person – belief in your ability; dedication; hard work; perseverance and a cool head under pressure.  These qualities, Derek found, are essential for anyone who wants to achieve their goal, whatever path they choose.