Roundwood pupils meet football star Raheem Sterling at GOALS Wembley
Roundwood pupils had an incredible day earlier this term when they were surprised with a visit from football star Raheem Sterling at GOALS Wembley – a day our Headteacher described simply as “amazing”.
Our pupils have been attending GOALS every Wednesday since the last academic year, using football as a positive way to build confidence, teamwork and resilience. On 5 November, we received an unexpected and exciting call from the GOALS management team asking if the teachers could get the pupils ready – Raheem Sterling, GOALS’ ambassador, wanted to come and meet them!
During the visit, pupils played football alongside Raheem and were given the chance to talk with him and ask thoughtful questions. These included what inspired him to pursue a career in football and why he attended a Pupil Referral Unit earlier in his life. Staff were incredibly proud of how respectful, engaged and mature the pupils were throughout the visit.
The visit gave pupils the chance to play football with Raheem and, just as importantly, to sit down and talk with him. Pupils asked thoughtful and mature questions such as what inspired him to play football and why he attended a Pupil Referral Unit when he was younger. Raheem was clearly impressed by their curiosity, respect and confidence as he asked his manager if he could stay for an extra hour so he could meet with all the pupils together around a table.
Raheem and his team were so impressed that they offered Roundwood an additional free day at GOALS. We now attend sessions on both Mondays and Wednesdays, giving even more pupils the chance to benefit from this fantastic opportunity.
Raheem is looking forward to seeing our pupils again in the New Year and has also offered to invite them to more events in the future. It’s an inspiring partnership that has already made a huge impact – and this is just the beginning!
View more pictures from the day in the Roundwood School Gallery.