Liverpool FC players Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni gave children at a Knowsley primary school an afternoon to remember with a surprise visit.
The Reds duo dropped in at Hope Primary School during a Premier League Primary Stars session being delivered by LFC Foundation.
Endo and Leoni arrived for the final lesson of the day, joining pupils for a sports session led by LFC Foundation coaches.
Their arrival prompted excited reactions from the youngsters before the players were put through their paces in a series of mini-games and drills.
Speaking after the session, Leoni said:
“It’s really good to see the kids have fun and enjoy the day and I hope to be able to do this more.
“I have a lot of memories from when I was the same age as them and so it’s good to come here and spend time with them. It means a lot to me when you see how happy it makes them, and it’s one of the best things to do as a footballer.”
Endo added:
“They had so much fun and they enjoyed their time with us and we had fun too so it is always a great thing to do.
“As players, we can show ourselves on the pitch but also off the pitch and it’s important to do these things as footballers and we are always happy to support the LFC Foundation.”
The Premier League Primary Stars programme uses the appeal of football and the Premier League to encourage children to become more active while developing important life skills.
It is funded by the Premier League Foundation and delivered locally by LFC Foundation.
Colin Contini, director of operations at LFC Foundation, said:
“It was fantastic to welcome Wataru and Giovanni to Hope Primary School and see the excitement their visit created.
“Through Premier League Primary Stars, we use the power of Liverpool FC and football to inspire young people to be active, build confidence and develop important life skills. Visits like this create lasting memories and help reinforce the positive impact sport can have on young people.”
More than 10,000 primary school children were engaged through LFC Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme last season.
Activities included sessions delivered in schools, non-curricular activities and virtual support.
More information about the Premier League Primary Stars programme is available through Liverpool FC here.
