Year 5 and 6 pupils at a West Ham United Foundation tournament were inspired this week by the visit of two Academy stars of the future.
Sam Howes and Moses Makasi were on hand to visit the Woodlands School football festival in Basildon, an event run and organised by WHU Foundation to celebrate the beginning of a new partnership that will see the Foundation work in the school and surrounding areas for the next three years.
Nine teams from local Primary Schools competed in the tournament, with one talented player being selected to attend Academy trials after being spotted by one of the many West Ham United scouts who regularly attend Foundation events across east London and Essex.
Vange Primary School and Lee Chapel Primary School were crowned eventual winners in their categories, with the silverware being presented by Sam and Moses.
Speaking of the visit to Woodlands School, Moses said: “It is great to be here supporting the school and children. I hope they are inspired to realise they can achieve.”
Head teacher Simon Cox said: “This is a great opportunity to work with the community and to celebrate the partnership with West Ham United Foundation.
“This is not just about sport, as the Foundation will also work with us in literacy and numeracy lessons, as well as about making safe decisions in life.
Thank you to all of the schools who attended the tournament: Ghyllgrove Junior School, Janet Duke Primary School, St Anne Line Junior School, Fairhouse Junior School, Vange Primary School, Kingswood Primary School, Lee Chapel Primary School, Willow Primary School and St Teresa’s Primary School.