Leon goes back to school

Swansea City has launched a new Swans4Schools initiative that sees club ambassador Leon Britton go back to class to teach primary school pupils all about the football club and community values.

Leon took up the new role at the start of the season to work alongside fellow club ambassador Lee Trundle within the community.

It’s been a busy introduction with the former midfielder focussing on school projects, junior football clubs and ongoing charity work.

“The club has always done a lot of work in the community, especially with the help of the Community Trust,’’ explained Leon. “To be honest, a lot of it goes unnoticed.

“However, when we discussed the possibility of me taking on the ambassadorial role, central to the discussions was a determination by the club to re-engage with our local schools, in particular primary schools.

“So far the reception we’ve received from the schools we’ve visited has been amazing.’’

Leon has already visited six schools as part of the new Swans4Schools initiative, namely Ysgol Bro Tawe, Blaenhonddan, Central Juniors, Ynysfach, Llangyfelach and Tairgwaith Primary Schools. And there are a host of others already booked in.

The project sees Leon introduced to the children in a school assembly where they get to watch an exclusive video of the midfield maestro in action.

Together with the Community Trust, Leon then discusses the club’s four Primary Star values for pupils:

*Be ambitious – work hard and never give up on your goals.

*Be connected – work well with others and in a team setting.

*Be fair – treat people equally and to think of others.

*Be inspiring – setting a great example to others.

The club’s anti-bullying message is also delivered before work begins with the seven and eight-year-olds in Years 3 and 4.

One class receives a physical activity and play session, while the other class is taught a curriculum-based education lesson using questions and answers about Leon’s career to achieve a set task - with the personal assistance of the club legend himself. The classes then swap over.

All the pupils taking part receive an exclusive Swans water bottle to use in school; free and discounted tickets for a forthcoming game, plus further incentives to reward high pupil attendance in school.

A representative from Ynysfach Primary School in Resolven, said: “The pupils loved Leon coming in to work with them and found listening to his life very interesting. They felt he inspired them to not give up and keep on trying.

“The ticket initiative is also fantastic as it gets pupils interested in the game and encourages families to attend together.’’

A spokesperson for Ysgol Bro Tawe added: “It was a privilege to welcome Leon and the pupils were very excited to be able to spend the morning working alongside a Swansea City legend.

“The project enabled the pupils to focus on the importance of resilience. Leon and the Swans Community Trust team helped the pupils understand that with hard work and perseverance, it is possible to achieve your dreams.”

If your primary school would like to have Leon pay you a visit, then email hollieevans@swanseacity.com. Please note that due to demand we currently have schools booked in up until January 2019.