Pupils at St Raphael’s Catholic Primary School in Northolt were treated to a special appearance by Brentford striker Lasse Vibe yesterday afternoon as part of the Community Sports Trust’s work with the Kinder +Sport Move and Learn Project.

The nationwide project, supported by Ferrero, encourages young people to get more active while educating them about the benefits of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Lasse answered questions from more than 50 star-struck Year Five and Six pupils, signed autographs, posed for photos, and joined in with the after school Basketball club.

Speaking afterwards, Lasse said: “It is important to remember why we play football and why we started to play football. These days it is very professional and very serious but we all started because it is fun and that is what giving back to the community is about.

“I think that sport and learning work well together especially when it comes to kids. Football can get people together and let them have a good time and that shouldn’t be underestimated.”

The Community Sports Trust is currently delivering the Move and Learn project to more than 2,700 youngsters across 45 schools in Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, and Richmond Borough. The six-week programme teaches children about their bodies and the importance of healthy eating and exercise with Trust coaches also leading Football, Dodgeball, and Handball sessions.

One of the Year Five pupils, nine-year-old Chelsea, said: “I am really enjoying these lessons. I liked learning about how our bodies work and why exercise is good for us. I was really excited to meet Lasse. It is important to exercise and eat well to stay healthy and live a good life.”

Year Five teacher Mrs Callaghan added: “The children love these lessons. They really look forward to them every week and they are really focused during them. They are learning some really important life skills about living healthy which is great.”

On completion of the six classroom and sports lessons, each pupil will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation and two match tickets to attend a Bees home game at Griffin Park during the season. All of the schools participating in the project will also be invited onto the pitch at half time to take part in a penalty shoot-out.

The Kinder +Sport Move and Learn partnership will also cover numerous participation and awareness events including the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust Soccer Schools, a Meet the Players coaching day, and various local out-reach events.

For further details and to get involve please contact Akar Bapir at Brentford FC CST on 020 8329 7030 or email [email protected]