Players from Salford City FC made a special visit to Lewis Street Primary School this morning, engaging with pupils as part of the club’s ongoing community work through Foundation 92.
Midfielder Matt Butcher and defender Brandon Cooper spent time with students in an interactive Q&A session, answering a wide range of questions and sharing their experiences of life in professional football.
The visit gave pupils the opportunity to hear first-hand what it takes to succeed in the game, with both players impressed by the confidence and curiosity on display.
Butcher said:
“It was great to see the kids, and they asked some really good questions. They were not afraid to put their hands up, which is really nice to see.
“We were just speaking about that, and when we were kids, they are a lot more confident than we were. So it was nice to get out, meet people, and see what they’re thinking as well.”
Cooper echoed those thoughts:
“There were some really good questions in there, to be honest, and it is good to see that the children were confident and it wasn’t just footie questions.
“They were asking about diet and all sorts of things, so it was really good and I really enjoyed it. And like Butch said, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to be as brave, so I really enjoyed it.”
Both players also reflected on the importance of community visits like this, drawing on their own experiences growing up.
Butcher added:
“I remember doing things like this when I was a kid. People from Portsmouth would come in, whether it be community sessions or visits to schools, and I remember the impact that had when I left school.
“I would go home and watch them on a Saturday, first and foremost, and then try to replicate what they did in the parks with my mates. I think that is the most important thing, creating that sense of togetherness, whether that be as a school, or a group of friends, or as a football team.
As part of the visit, pupils were also given tickets for the upcoming fixture vs MK Dons, giving them the chance to see their new role models in action and further strengthen their connection with the club.
The session is part of Foundation 92’s continued commitment to inspiring young people across Salford through their education offer.
Find out more: https://foundation92.co.uk/our-work/education/ or contact Emily.Ashworth@Foundation92.co.uk