Skarz and Lundstram reward pupils at Cholsey Primary School
Young football fans at Cholsey Primary School had a fantastic surprise this afternoon when John Lundstram and Joe Skarz plus Olly the Ox paid a visit to the school.
Taking time out of their preparations for Saturday’s mirates FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Blackburn Rovers, the pair were at the school to hand out dozens of tickets to pupils who entered a special competition organised by club sponsor Grundon Waste Management.
Earlier this month, representatives from the company, which has its headquarters in nearby Benson, visited the school to talk to pupils about the importance of recycling and waste management as part of the school’s first ‘Recycling Week’. They also handed out goodie bags, which included activity sheets, pencils made from recycled jeans and rulers from plastic cups.
The youngsters, from years one to six, were then asked to design a poster and write about waste and recycling.
From more than 250 entries, the judges chose a series of winners, with 56 lucky children being invited, along with a parent or guardian, to attend Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup fourth round tie at the Kassam Stadium against Blackburn Rovers.
There, not only will they enjoy some of the best seats in the house, but a selection of the children will have the privilege of leading the players out on to the pitch. Winning posters and written entries will also be displayed at the club’s family area during and after the match, promoting the benefits of recycling.
Headteacher, Heather Haigh, said: “The pupils were so excited about meeting their footballing heroes and are thrilled at being invited as VIP guests at such an important match.
“The recycling message is something we aim to instill at an early age and to see the quality of work which was produced by all pupils of every age and ability, was incredibly heart-warming. They’ve really engaged with the recycling theme and the prospect of going to watch Oxford United has really captured the children’s imagination and inspired them. It has also demonstrated to us that if they are the decision-makers of the future, the environment will be in safe hands.”
Darryl Eales, United Chairman, has also actively supported the campaign, saying: “Community partnership is key for our club, we go to great lengths to reach out to our fans of the future and what better way to do so than by supporting such a great initiative.
“We can’t wait to host the children on Saturday. We look forward to hearing them shout louder than ever to support the team.”
Clayton Sullivan-Webb, managing director of Grundon Waste Management, said: “Talking to children while they are young about the twin messages of recycling and waste management is really important. Our goal is to help inspire a generation of waste champions who understand how they can all make a real difference to the environment and help promote those messages to family and friends.
“We were astounded at the fantastic results achieved and congratulations must go to all the pupils for their hard work and effort. We hope they enjoyed meeting the players at the school and that they have an exciting day out. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for a great result for our favourite football team.”