SCA Students Experience Premier League Class
Chris Prince
/ Categories: News, Aspire
Salford City Academy students were cheered on by Manchester United star Chris Smalling as they starred in the launch of a regional football initiative.
A total of seven schools participated in a football tournament on our astro pitch, watched not only by the Premier League footballer but also by the national press, who were keen to see the work students have been doing with the Football Beyond Borders (FBB) programme.
The organisation has been working with our students to develop their confidence and leadership skills for a number of weeks already. Chris, who is a patron of FBB, came to support the wider launch of the scheme for schools in the north west.
Our students played brilliantly and reached the final, only to narrowly lose as the rest of the school cheered them on. After the schools faced off against each other on the pitch, everyone moved into the Main Hall for an awards ceremony, with Chris presenting participants with their trophies and certificates. The England International also took part in a special Q and A with two SCA students, while other members of our group delivered a special presentation to the other schools about the work they have done so far with FBB and the difference it has made to them.
Salford City Academy Principal Ms Haselden said: “We are so grateful to the team at FBB for offering their services, which have made a real difference to the students taking part in their programme and supports our drive to provide our students with an education with character.
“We have been honoured to host their launch today in front of not only a number of other schools, but also the country’s media and of course Chris Smalling. Our students have been outstanding today both on and off the pitch, demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship and they supported each other throughout the day.”
At the end of the day, Chris kindly posed for photos with students – and staff – and you can see the full gallery from the day below.