England and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka has returned to his former primary school, Edward Betham in Greenford, to meet pupils and discuss the influence of teachers and coaches in shaping young people’s lives.
The visit by the 24-year-old was part of an initiative by online bank Chase, which has launched a football coaching programme aimed at supporting people from low-income backgrounds to gain coaching qualifications. The scheme is intended to help develop community role models across the UK.
Saka’s visit coincided with new YouGov research, commissioned by Chase, which found that 79% of young people who look up to someone in sport admire a professional athlete, while 25% are most inspired by a coach or PE teacher. The study also found that 84% of children believe sport helps them build skills such as teamwork, resilience and communication.
During the visit, Saka was reunited with his former headteacher, Caroline Chamberlain, and PE coach, Leigh Curtin, who both played a part in his early development. He spoke with pupils about the importance of guidance and support both on and off the pitch before taking questions in a school assembly.
He said: “Coming back to Edward Betham to hear the students talking about their role models and how I might have inspired them has been a blessing. I was lucky to have teachers and coaches who believed in me, not just in football but in life. Feeling supported to explore your interests and having good people to help you can make all the difference.”
Ms Chamberlain said: “It has been a joy to welcome Bukayo back to Edward Betham. He was always hardworking, kind and determined. It’s wonderful for pupils to see how those qualities can carry you far.”
Ms Chamberlain said the school focused on developing perseverance, teamwork and communication through all areas of learning, adding that Saka’s achievements showed “how those skills can help you succeed in whatever path you choose”.
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