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England Women’s winning goal scorer Leah Williamson visits Northamptonshire School
Compass Primary Academy in Kettering welcomed Arsenal Women’s player and Lioness Leah Williamson as she led a kick around with members of the Children’s Air Ambulance club – #TheCrew.
Our charity recently ran an exclusive competition for members of #TheCrew. To enter, they were asked to tell us in their own way, what it meant to them to be part of #TheCrew. After receiving some brilliant entries, we were pleased to announce the winner was Max, aged 6, for his inspirational drawing.
Last Friday, Max received his once in a lifetime prize – Our ambassador, England International and Arsenal Defender, Leah Williamson, visited him at his school for a kick around and a Q&A session, followed by a school Q&A session in assembly!
The children of Compass Primary Academy had some great questions for Leah, including:
Q: “What’s your favourite children’s book?”
A: “I used to really like Dr. Seuss books but I like the Gruffalo; I like that because I used to make my mum read to me in a special voice which made it really funny!”
Q: “Who was your role model when getting into football?”
A: “My mum, she’s a very independent woman so she made sure I followed my dream even though people said I shouldn’t play football – and Kelly Holmes, she was breaking barriers as well as making women in sports heard.”
Q: “What do you like about Arsenal?”
A: “They are classy, respectful and we have a motto which says ‘be together’ – so we should care more about those around us, rather than just ourselves.”
Q: “What message would you give to the children here today?”
A: “What I would say is, times are changing and it’s going to benefit you the most and I think what you have to remember is, in life things are going to be unfair and harder at times than for some of your friends, especially if you’re a girl. You’re going to have tough times where you think you can’t do whatever you want to do, but you just need to remember that people like me are fighting for you, so believe in what you want to do, whether it’s a footballer, singer, doctor or lifeguard, or anything – make sure you hold it in your heart and never forget you can do whatever you want when you get older.”
Leah Williamson then presented Max with a signed photo to remember the special day and took a group shot with the school, which everyone was so excited about!
Jo Fallowell, Principal at Compass Primary Academy said:
“We are all absolutely thrilled to have Leah visiting the school as she is such a high profile sportswoman and role model for all. This is a special visit for the school community and reinforces our values of Explore, Discover and Dream.
“It highlights what can be achieved when individuals have big dreams and aspirations. As well as emphasising the importance of healthy living, sport and where it can lead, this event also showcases the dedicated and life-saving work of the Children’s Air Ambulance which is such a vital service. We are delighted that Max won this competition, and even more delighted that he wanted to share Leah’s very special visit with his school friends.”
Concluding the day, Leah Williamson added:
“It’s really nice to come along and meet someone who’s made a lot of effort for a worthwhile cause, Max’s drawing was so good, sometimes kids say what we can’t in the simplest way with exactly what needs to be said.
“I think kids should join #TheCrew as it’s an easy way for them to get involved, to be educating themselves and to also help others. It teaches them fundamental skills and gives them opportunities to interact and do something different whilst also raising awareness for the Children’s Air Ambulance – it’s a worthwhile cause and I hope more kids get involved.”
