More than 70 schoolchildren have been treated to a half-term to remember as part of Brentford’s annual “Meet the Players” event at Uxbridge High School.
Run by the club’s Community Sports Trust, youngsters took part in a training session with FA qualified coaches before showcasing their skills to the likes of Brentford forward Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo in small-sided games.
Along with the interactive football session which saw 13 players from the squad in attendance, the young fans had the opportunity to chat, get autographs and have photos with the Brentford stars.
Open to children in school years one to seven, the event is now in its seventh year with Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard underling the importance of connecting with the youngsters.
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“We have all been their age and we all know what it does when professional footballers visit – it makes their day,” Norgaard said.
“You could see when we joined in playing the games there was that extra bit of excitement and the same with the autographs. It is quite nice to give back.”
It was a view echoed by another player, Emiliano Marcondes, who added: “They will remember this for the rest of their lives.
“I still remember being visited by professional footballers when I was younger.
“To see the smiles on their faces and give them little bits of advice makes us – as players – smile.”