Players in the schools

The life of a footballer is often thought of by the public as just kicking a ball around a pitch.However, at Shrewsbury Town we have a group of professionals who realise the importance of the "role model" status they have and how influential their appearances in schools can be.

The players regularly give of their own time to go out into the community to support some worthy cause. Schools have found that the "draw" of a footballer from the club can enhance the message being put across to the youngsters.The sight of the badge and the tracksuit has an amazing effect on class concentration!

In recent weeks the whole of the Shrewsbury Town first team squad have visited primary schools throughout Shropshire.Highley, Clive, Nesscliffe and Pontesbury are examples of schools outside Shrewsbury. Their visits have coincided, for the most part, with football coaching sessions at the schools with the Community Sports Trust team from the club. Players have joined in with the coaching as well as holding question and answer sessions with the children.

Skipper, Graham Coughlan, visited Radbrook Primary with local boy Steve Leslie. Graham says "The kids enjoyed meeting the players and responded really well.Both parties thoroughly enjoyed the experience"

Top goal scorer, Dave Hibbert, said of his trip to Coleham School, "It went really well.The coaches involved us as much as possible with the kids.Their response was terrific"

Town's Community Officer Brian Williams thanked the players for their help:"The help that the players have put into the visits has been excellent and real boost for the children.They have all been really helpful and gone out of their way to make the visits go smoothly."