The Trust has received further praise regarding two of the recent player visits from Ben Parker, community executive liaison at the Professional Footballers’ Association.
James Berry, Adam Lewis and Connor Cook attended Bramley Vale Primary School for an interactive football session with the students.
Speaking about the importance of player visits, Ben commented: “It’s hugely important, and the players themselves see real value in wanting to engage (with the community).
“Players all the way up and down the country ask about community initiatives and want to give back to the local community. I have to say the three players here at Chesterfield have been superb today.
“It’s about giving back, feeling inspired, feeling engaged, coming away with something. From the players just being here today to see some of the students, they’ll remember this day for a long, long time.
“Players know once upon a time, they were in the students’ shoes, and if they got interaction with a professional footballer, it made their day.”
Liam Mandeville and John Fleck attended the next visit, speaking to the Trust’s Football and Education students about the importance of qualifications in later life, after their footballing careers.
Speaking about the insight that Mandeville and Fleck provided, Ben said: “You can see how the players interact, how they give the answers to pass on that knowledge, and any snippets to these young students. Which is so invaluable.
“The PFA see this week in week out from players who go above and beyond in the community, offering that little bit of advice from their own playing background. Especially about how education is so important, and there’s always a place for education and sport to be combined.
“It was great for Fleck and Mandeville to come down today to give that advice. It’s about showing these students in full-time education, with aspirations of being a professional footballer or being involved in sport, not to neglect your education because it’s just as important.”
