Tag: Player Appearance

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Kyprianou inspires Southend youngsters

Pupils from Temple Sutton Primary School had the chance to interview Southend United defender Harry Kyprianou this week.

The 23-year-old took time out of his individual training programme to speak with the children via video call.

This was a brilliant opportunity for the pupils to practice their research skills and gain an insight into the life of a professional footballer.

Harry revealed his journey into professional football, his favourite Blues memory, the funniest member of the squad, as well as how to stay positive in the current situation and much more.

Supporters can watch the full Q&A on Southend United Community & Educational Trust’s YouTube channel (below).

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International Women’s Day: Southend United Ladies pair inspire girls at Glebe Primary School

Southend United Ladies captain and vice-captain, Claudia Zajac and Sophie Lebeze, spoke with young girls at Glebe Primary School in Rayleigh as part of International Women’s Day.

Forming part of Southend United Community & Educational Trust’s Girls After School Club, the young girls were given the opportunity to ask the players a series of questions, centred around how the duo initially got involved in football and the type of opportunities that exist locally within women’s football.

International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Darcy, a member of the Girls After School Club and Glebe Primary School pupil, commented:

“It was really cool to meet Claudia and Sophie.

“I took away to always try your best and don’t give up.

“Before today I didn’t know who Southend United Ladies were; all I knew was that girls play football at schools.

“I’m going to ask my parents if I can come to a game – maybe even for my birthday!”

For more information about Southend United Ladies including results, fixtures and team news, please visit @SouthendUtdLFC on Twitter.

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Kelman returns to The Bromfords School

Southend United striker Charlie Kelman returned to his old place of study, The Bromfords School in Wickford, to talk with pupils about his life as a professional footballer.

Kelman represented the school football team during his time at The Bromfords, alongside teammate Matt Rush.

The 18-year-old – who is Blues’ top scorer so far this season with six goals – was asked a wide range of questions, covering his training schedule and diet to his aims for the future and what life advice he’d have for the pupils.

Kelman commented:

“It was crazy being back, I enjoyed it.

“I remember people used to come into school and I would ask them questions so it was crazy being the other way round.

“These kids know that I’ve been there [in their position] and I’ve gone and done good things.

“Hopefully I can inspire the next person.”

Mr Ford, PE Teacher at The Bromfords School, commented:

“I thought Charlie was brilliant in the way he expressed how hard work, ambition and drive are absolutely key [to success].

“Even if you do make the odd mistake here and there, you’ve got to keep going again which is a great message for the students to hear.”

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Demetriou visits Soccer Schools at Garon Park

Southend United’s Jason Demetriou took time out to visit children at Southend United Community & Educational Trust’s Soccer Schools at Garon Park this February half term.

In front of over 50 children, the Cypriot international answered a variety of questions on the best players he’s played against, his career highlights and what age he began playing football.

The children then got a photo with Demetriou on the Garon Park Astroturf.

Aiming to inspire future generations and create memories of a lifetime, Soccer Schools are delivered by qualified Community Coaches who run tailored, innovative and dynamic sessions where participants are able to fulfil their potential.

Demetriou commented:

“The setup here at Garon Park is fantastic and it was a brilliant turnout today.

“It was a great 15-20 minutes with the kids and I think they enjoyed it.

“This [Soccer Schools] is where the kids learn and it builds into the club’s future attracting younger fans.”

For more information about SUCET’s Soccer Schools, please contact Dan King on 01702 341351 or d.king@southendunited-cet.co.uk.

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Kelman and Mantom visit pupils at Porters Grange Primary School

The pupils of Porters Grange Primary School in Southend received a very special visit from Southend United players Charlie Kelman and Sam Mantom.

The excitable children asked the players a number of great questions around their football careers, what it’s like representing the Shrimpers and what they get up to in their spare time.

Kelman and Mantom stressed the importance of hard work and application as key components of becoming a professional footballer, as well as achieving in school.

The visit formed part of the school’s Premier League Primary Stars (PL Primary Stars) session, delivered by Southend United Community & Educational Trust coaches.

Available to every primary school in England and Wales, PL Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire girls and boys aged 5-11 in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field.

For more information about SUCET’s Premier League Primary Stars programme, please click here.

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Barratt visits young players at Premier League Kicks session

Southend United’s Sam Barratt paid a special visit to Southend United Community & Educational Trust’s Premier League Kicks (PL Kicks) session at PlayFootball Southend.

PL Kicks is a national project which uses the hook of Southend United Football Club and the power of sport to engage with young boys and girls aged 12-19 in deprived areas across Southend.

Barratt offered words of encouragement and advice to the excited young players and cheered them on as they played against each other on the PlayFootball Astroturf.

A mini round-robin tournament took place at the beginning of the session before the young players split off and played longer games, with plenty of goals scored, skills on show and smiles on faces.

Barratt commented:

“Programmes such as PL Kicks are massive for the local community and mean a lot to the young people who attend them.

“It’s great that 12-19 year-olds in Southend get to come down to their local facility, make new friends and enjoy themselves.

“I took part in community activities and grassroots football myself growing up, so I know it means a lot.

“My advice to these young boys and girls would be to work hard in school and keep playing football – which can be a great release for when things might get frustrating.”

For more information about SUCET’s PL Kicks programme, please contact Dan Hall on 01702 341351 or d.hall@southendunited-cet.co.uk.