Students at Blue Coat C.E. Academy were delighted to welcome Saddlers players Harrison Burke and Aaron Pressley last week. The players spent time with students taking part in Assist 2 Achieve and Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust sessions – initiatives designed to support young people during a crucial period of development in their life, both inside and outside of the classroom.
The sessions focus on topics of equality and diversity, while also promoting important life skills such as resilience, discipline and self-belief. Harrison Burke spoke openly about his journey coming through the non-league football system and the determination and hard work required to reach the position he finds himself in today.
Pressley’s journey through the game may have differed from Burke’s, but echoed a number of similar themes. He spoke about the importance of maintaining high standards and working extremely hard as he progressed through academy systems at a number of clubs.
These inspiring talks gave the students plenty to reflect upon regarding their own career aspirations, whether that be playing football or something completely different.
As part of the visit, two students involved with the Assist 2 Achieve programme, Haider and Lewis, were presented with plaques signed by the Walsall FC first-team squad in recognition of the progress they had both achieved through their work at school.
Burke and Pressley also took part in an engaging Q&A session with the students, allowing them to ask thought provoking questions to the professionals. They gained valuable insight into the attitude of a professional and the personal qualities required to succeed – both on the pitch or beyond.
Billy Cartwright, Walsall FC Foundation Education Officer, said: “We were delighted to have two Walsall FC first-team players with us at Blue Coat to meet the students. Two key focuses of our recent lessons have been resilience and integrity, so it was fantastic to hear two professionals speak about how important these values are to them.
“While both players have taken different pathways to Walsall FC it was great to hear them talk about why hard work and high standards are vital in every walk of life.”
For more information on the Assist 2 Achieve programme, contact: martin.manley@walsallfcfoundation.co.uk
For more information on the Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust, contact: billy.cartwright@walsallfcfoundation.co.uk
