ELEVEN teams from local schools were left shocked and excited when ten of West Bromwich Albion's First Team stars came to coach and manage them in a non-competitive tournament.

 

Held as part of the 'Premier League Primary Stars' initiative, the pupils were chosen for their impressive behaviour within their respective schools.

 

The Baggies stars were each given a team to guide through the event and ensured their teams played with smiles on their faces.

 

The football festival was all about participation and connecting with The Albion Foundation and West Bromwich Albion Football Club.

 

Dave Lawrence, The Foundation's Sports Development Manager, explained how the charity has used the Primary Stars programme to its benefit.  

 

"Our competition strategy is an integral part of our Primary Stars programme. It connects our school pupils to an informal way of engaging with children from other schools in a fun and safe environment."

 

110 children took part on the day, and the impact of the player's visit was clear.

 

"The more gifted and talented children would have had a taste of life as a footballer by engaging with some of their role models today," Dave added.

 

"The players took time out to inspire some extremely well behaved and fully deserving young people who would have had a day to remember."

 

During this academic year, The Albion Foundation has worked with 84 schools and other organisations, delivering 226,601 aggregate contact hours in the Primary Stars programme to 5,872 participants.