It was a great day at our famous York Road Stadium when we hosted children from our unique Premier League Primary Stars programme to join in what was a fun-filled, well-delivered Non-Curriculum Day. 
 
The day consisted of five different external companies delivering sessions from the curriculum such as Maths (Home-Me), Creative Writing (Maidenhead Advertiser), Environment (Donna Stimson), PE (London Irish Foundation), and First Aid Training (NDA Training). 
 
All children enjoyed their day and managed to take home a workbook that showed off their learning and even a surprise visit from three Maidenhead United FC players; Tobi Sho-Silva, Daniel Jinadu and Simone O’Brien. All three were put under the spotlight and asked some very interesting questions, the main one which divided the room was ‘Who is the best player, Ronaldo or Messi?’ 
 
Teachers, children and parents had this to say: 
 
Child from Courthouse Junior School - “What an amazing day, thank you for organising. We absolutely loved it. I loved doing maths and working out my fantasy football team with Home-Me. I want to be the manager one-day!!” 
 
Jacqui Barnes, Teacher at Riverside - “The surprise with the three Maidenhead United FC Players was just incredible! They answered some tricky questions and gave great advice to all the children!” 
 
Parent of pupil from Oldfield - “Thank you, Maidenhead United FC In The Community, for organising such a great event. My daughter (who is very shy) took part in all the sessions and has not stopped speaking about the PE Lesson with London Irish and winning the Tug of War and explaining what I should do if someone collapses in front of me. Truly amazing and inspirational!” 
 
Maidenhead United Community Trust Premier League Primary Stars Co-ordinator Warren Browne was delighted with the event: “What a day! Our Non-Curriculum Day was supported by an amazing group of external visitors which have made 30 children’s learning experience truly amazing.” 
 
“From learning how to use CPR, to budgeting a fantasy football team, creating reports on MUFC players and staff, tug of war against one-another, to implementing new ideas to keep our community environmentally sustainable. We are so lucky to work with these external companies to support the next generation with their learning designed to mirror the curriculum and enjoy a new hands-on experience, which has provided those with a boost of confidence, self-esteem, and positive communication and teamwork.” 
 
“We wrapped up our day with a Q&A session with Maidenhead United FC stars, Tobi Sho-Silva, Daniel Jinadu, and Simone O'Brien. The children asked some challenging questions to our players, who replied with some great insight, knowledge, and advice for our youngsters. The standout question had to be ‘Who is Better? Messi or Ronaldo?’” 
 
The answer to that question as far as we are concerned is – Reece Smith! And the youngsters were given the opportunity by Maidenhead Advertiser sports team Daniel Darlington and Joshua Browne to write a descriptive piece on Reece Smith’s solo goal against Rochdale back in October, a magic moment which brought York Road to its feet. We reproduce some of those fantastic, evocative pieces courtesy of pupils from Oldfield School below: 
 
 
“There he was, running across the pitch ball at his feet. Reece Smith sprinting to the goal, and it happened. A goal he had scored. People were cheering, absolutely ecstatic. The team crowded around him, jumping, and cheering. For the score is now one-all. The people were thrilled to see the ball in the net.” 
 
“It was a great goal by Reece Smith. A great throw by Sam Beckwith and great chip by Tobi Sho-Silva. Reece Smith dribbled and a little trick to get around the defender and then he shoots and scored. The crowd goes wild. The goal makes the score 1-1”. 
 
“It was a fantastic goal by Reece Smith. He could have passed but he shot for some reason. He dribbled through two defenders and scored! What a fantastic goal! The opposition must feel sombre. It doesn’t matter how the opposition feels, imagine how Maidenhead feels. Probably proud and content. Reece must feel proud of Tobi with that amazing assist. I mean, like did you see that assist!” 
Tagged as: Club, Community
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