The Leeds United Foundation have delivered an exclusive four-week course with students at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, with the help of first-team Club Doctor Rishi Dhand.

The small group of pupils involved in the programme were able to learn more about physical activity and improving their diets, with the opportunity to create personalised training plans alongside highly qualified Leeds United staff.

During their final week, Stuart Dallas also made a special appearance during their workshop, holding a question and answer session, before handing out all of their hard-earned certificates and some special prizes for those who had shown real promise and gone above and beyond over the four-week period.

Speaking to LUTV after the final session, Rishi said: “It was a pleasure to deliver the physical activity course with some of the students at Outwood Academy Hemsworth. The students all engaged well in the sessions, and it was great to see their enthusiasm for the prizes and the special guest in the final week.

"Thank you to Mr Wormald for organising the logistics and ensuring the programme ran smoothly, it was very much appreciated.” 

Alongside the Leeds United Club Doctor, other members of staff were also on hand during the course to provide support and advice for the students, including Head of Nutrition Elise McVicar, who led a session around proteins and carbohydrates, recovery, and the effect of screen time on sleep and growth. Katie Taylor from the club’s official charity also delivered a practical football session and was on hand to answer any questions about development and coaching.

Andy Wormald, Attendance & Behaviour Officer at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, added: “What a brilliant opportunity for the Leeds United Foundation to work alongside the Club Doctor, Rishi Dhand. The knowledge and insights that Rishi shared with the kids have been brilliant and everyone took something away from each session.

“We look forward to working with Rishi again, and I would also like to thank Elise and Katie for taking the time to deliver sessions and Stuart Dallas for taking the time to come and visit the students, they absolutely loved getting the chance to meet him and hear from him.”

When asked about their participation in the programme, one student, Cayden, commented: “I learnt a lot about keeping healthy and eating well which has helped me in the gym to train longer and recover better. Also, meeting Stuart Dallas was class – I was speechless!” 

Another student, Brogan, added: “I really appreciated having the opportunity to learn more about my diet and gym work. These sessions from Rishi have helped me understand a healthy diet and a good gym session better. I enjoyed getting to meet Stuart Dallas at the end of the four weeks as well.”

For further information around the work being done in secondary education through the Leeds United Foundation, please contact Andrew.Wormald@leedsunited.com.