Schoolchildren from Leeds enjoyed an unforgettable experience in London as they watched an NFL fixture as part of the league and Leeds United’s Unlocking Potential programme.

The game saw the Jacksonville Jaguars take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with the Jaguars securing a narrow 19-17 victory.

The youngsters began their day at Harris Academy Tottenham, where they took part in a special activation led by former San Francisco 49ers player Eric Heitmann and the organisation’s senior oordinator, Ryan Dillard.

They then joined Leeds United Foundation coaches for a series of practical drills before heading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to experience the NFL fixture live.

The trip provided an exciting opportunity for the children, many of whom were experiencing live sport for the first time, to enjoy an event they might not otherwise have had access to.

This was the second group of schoolchildren to benefit from the Foundation-led experience, following the success of last year’s visit, which was also free of charge.

Reflecting on the impact of the day, Heitmann said: “I think a day like today for these kids to be able to go to a real NFL football game and to be able to come out here and play together and enjoy this game of football together, this experience will last them for the rest of their life.

“They’ll always remember today, and to me, if I was a kid doing this, this is a life-changing event.”

Dillard added: “A lot of these kids may have never, ever been to an NFL game, so the fact that they get a chance to do that today is so important.”

The initiative forms part of NFL Unlocking Potential, a partnership between the NFL Foundation UK, the San Francisco 49ers and Leeds United Foundation, using the power of sport to create opportunities for young people and inspire them to aim high.

Through experiences such as this, the programme aims to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and provide memories that can have a lasting impact on the children involved.