Students at Lingham Primary School in Greasby were treated to a special IT lesson on Thursday when three Tranmere Rovers players visited the school.
The surprise substitute teachers, Adam Buxton, Jay Harris and Paul Mullin, took part in a lesson on social media and journalism with Year 5 and 6 pupils run by Club partners Hi-Impact.
This is the first in a two-part experience created by Hi-Impact and TRFC, which sees their consultants deliver a variety of unique workshops to local schools. The pupils involved are also invited along to Prenton Park on a matchday to gain experience in working behind-the-scenes at a live game. Getting private access to the media facilities, the children will practice writing match reports, sports photography, interviewing players and more.
Prior to Tranmere’s home game against Stevenage on Saturday – this week’s participants sat down in the classroom with Buxton, Harris and Mullin to practice their interviewing skills.
A variety of smart questions came from the excited pupils, kicking off with “Who was your footballing inspiration growing up?”. There was certainly no questioning which side of the red / blue divide the three players sat on, with Harris and Mullin answering with LFC icon Steven Gerrard and Buxton going for the Toffees’ Duncan Ferguson.
The players were then asked about their favourite moments at Tranmere, which other clubs they have played for and what their favourite pre-match meal is. Amazingly all three players answered immediately with “Nandos!” – maybe in the hopes of a new sponsorship.
Pupils then put their individual interviewing and filming skills to test by speaking to one of the team mates individually on camera. Mullin was asked about how he keeps in shape and what kind of diet a footballer must stick to.
He answered: “It’s just about remembering what your body really needs and just sticking to the good stuff – focusing on the right amount of carbs and protein to keep you going. Sometimes we will have a little treat if we’ve worked extra hard but usually we just keep drinking special protein milkshakes to keep us lively!”
Buxton, Harris and Mullin then went around the class and helped pupils take more photos and edit the footage that they had taken of the interview workshop. Of course, there was also time for a proper selfie and autograph session at the end of everyone’s hard work.
Dave Ravenscroft from Hi-Impact, who delivers the workshops, was delighted with the players’ participation and had this to say about the afternoon:
"It is wonderful that the Tranmere Rovers players can give up their time and visit schools. The children are obviously buzzing to have that close connection with their local club, and love to interview and interact with the players. Additionally, the players are able to convey their professionalism and dedication to their career as they paint a picture of their lives as footballers, which can inspire students it reach their goals and achieve their aspirations in the future."
We would like to thank the pupils and staff at Lingham Primary School as well as Hi-Impact for such a welcoming and fun afternoon. We look forward to the second part of the visit on Saturday!