Callum Burton opens a new play area at Newport Infant School
Shrewsbury Town goalkeeper Callum Burton returned to school on Friday 20th January to open a brand new adventure play area.Callum attended Newport Infant School as a youngster and was invited back to open the play area which had replaced the one he had used over a decade earlier.
The play area, which includes a slide, tunnels and a miniature assault course has been built thanks to National Lottery funding and the work of the PTA.
Callum was honoured to be invited back for the opening.
“It’s been amazing to be invited back”, Callum told ShrewsWeb.
“Every person has a soft spot for their old school and I’ve lived around here all my life, so to be invited back to open something they have spent a lot of money on and spent a lot of time doing for the kids is good and it’s an honour to open it.
“As soon as I came through the door there were a few members of staff that still remember me. It feels like ages since I’ve been here, but in the grand scheme of things it hasn’t been that long, but it’s great to come back and see all the new building work.
“It was great coming out and having a little parade to come out to and they all seemed excited, which is good because it all promotes activity. It’s also good to see that the Lottery money goes to good projects and good things to help kids get active.”
The schools head teacher, Mrs Pearce, had taught Callum when he was in Year 2 and was delighted to see him again.
“It’s wonderful and I couldn’t have thought of anybody better to open the play area.
“Callum was in my first class here all those years ago, so it’s particularly special and Callum’s then gone onto attend other local schools as well.
“It’s great to have someone come back who has clearly done so well so young in his life and he’s a great role model for our children to have.
“You could see the excitement on the faces when we mentioned football and it’s when there is a connection that it means a lot to the children and they will remember it.”