Saddlers captain Donervon Daniels and David Okagbue joined children at Whetstone Field Primary School this week to highlight Black History Month.
The two defenders joined Year 5 pupils for a classroom session with Walsall FC Foundation, celebrating their role models and heritage rooted in Montserrat and Nigeria.
The class took part in activities to discuss how they can make a change to and tackle racism and discrimination, before a Q&A session with the players.
Skipper Daniels is a Montserrat international and represented the country of his birth in the CONCACAF Nations League earlier this month.
He said: “The interaction and feedback from the kids was really encouraging. It’s not an easy topic to discuss but it was nice to see how engaged they were.
“For me personally Black History Month is very important. My own history is something I take great pride in and I try to continue to educate myself on.
“Whenever I get the opportunity to be part of discussions, whether it’s with children in Year 5, or adults, or anyone, I enjoy it because I get to learn and I get to teach.”
Okagbue, who registered his 50th Saddlers appearance on Saturday against Grimsby, hails from Irish-Nigerian descent, and is proud of his heritage too.
He added: “It was great to come and see the kids and get involved. Some of the answers, we weren’t expecting them, they’re smart kids and it was good to see.
“It’s good when kids have that engagement with black history from a young age. I think you can see that they’re going to grow up to be good people and that’s what you want.”
The visit follows Walsall FC’s fixture supporting the EFL’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign on Tuesday night, underlining our club’s stance against any form of racism or discrimination.
As part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, and alongside the No Room For Racism campaign, Walsall FC Foundation deliver PSHE sessions at local schools promoting inclusion and diversity.
This includes at Whetstone Field Primary School, who are one of 8 Foundation school partners and work with the club’s official charity on a weekly basis.
Billy Cartwright, Premier League Primary Stars Officer at Walsall FC Foundation explains: “It was great to see the children so engaged and the players really helped bring Black History Month to life for them.
“As well as English, Maths and PE sessions, we also hold workshops to help encourage and celebrate inclusion and diversity. Donervon and Dave have great stories and it’s good to highlight them and black role models across the community.
Stuart Cox, Headteacher of Whetstone Field Primary School added: “Forging those link with Walsall Football Club and the Foundation is really important for us.
“The players are role models. We’ve talked to the children about aspirations and it shows them they can do whatever they want, regardless of their background, race or gender.”
For more information on getting your school involved with the Premier League Primary Stars programme and Walsall FC Foundation, please contact billy.cartwright@walsallfc.co.uk.
Photos: Tim Thursfield/Express & Star
