Leeds United stars Ao Tanaka, Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani recently visited a local primary school, to get involved in a fun-filled activities session with Key Stage 2 pupils.
Ran as part of the Premier League Primary Stars initiative, the Whites trio joined 30 students at Ashfield Primary School, participating in exciting games, posing for photos and leaving a lasting impression on the youngsters.
Those selected for the session had found certain subjects in the classroom challenging, with the initiative using the avenue of sport to help progress their engagement and confidence at school.
“It was really, really, really amazing,” Rosie Morris, Head of PE at the school, told LUTV. “I can see there has been a massive impact on those children. One child said that it was better than Disneyland, so I think that is firm approval from them!”
That excitement was mirrored by winger Largie, who was delighted with how the memorable afternoon had unfolded.
“It makes your day, to be honest. Just seeing kids happy, obviously, it reminds you of when you were a kid. And for them to see Leeds players, it makes them happy.
“And if that makes them happy, it will make us happy. I think it is great. I think it brings us together. And it shows that Leeds is a big club and a big, big family.”
Premier League Primary Stars is an education initiative that uses physical activity to inspire learning in primary schools. It provides curriculum-linked lessons and resources in subjects such as Maths, English, PSHE and PE. The program promotes teamwork, resilience and ambition, helping children develop essential life skills through engaging activities and sports.
Will Marriott, Premier League Primary Stars Delivery Coach at the Leeds United Foundation, explained: “So the session today was aimed at getting children between the ages of five to 11 active in primary schools through PE and through active interventions.
“Today, we have been really lucky. We have had Willy, Ao and Largie come down to join us. They come and they put smiles on faces for the young people. It is great that they can see their dreams kind of personified.”
Before the event finished, Willy Gnonto explained how important such programmes are, not just for the students but for the players to attend as well.
“I feel like when you enjoy yourself, you can even learn better values,” the forward said. “So, I feel like we should keep going like this and do even more.”
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