A SQUAD of secondary school pupils have won a ‘golden ticket’ in a nationwide competition to spend a day being inspired by London 2012 icon Jessica Ennis-Hill.

Hope Academy is one of 15 schools from across the UK which will take part in the event with the gold medallist heptathlete through Sky Sports Living for Sport.

Hope will send 20 young people to spend the day with Ennis-Hill on the March 27 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield where she trains.

They will take part in a range of activities with 20 other high profile Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentors – including Olympians, Paralympians and world champions. The initiative delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, which uses sports stars and sports skills to help build young people’s confidence.

Ennis-Hill said: “Inspiring the next generation and giving them the opportunity to build skills, experience and self-belief through sport is really important to me.

“When I was young, I got the chance to do something I loved and what I’ve learnt through sport helps me in life.” Mike Crusham, student achievement leader at Hope, said: “Our pupils were so excited to hear they are heading to Sheffield.

“I’m sure they are going to be inspired by Jessica and all the amazing athletes they meet there.

“We know very well at this school the way sport can help boost confidence and change lives for so many young people - and so it’s a wonderful opportunity.

“We can’t wait for the big day.”

The competition is still open to nominate a school for a chance to win a ‘golden ticket’ to meet Jessica.

All you need to do to enter is go to www.sky.com/academy by February 26.