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Shearer played a blinder for pupils

2/ 5/2008

PUPILS in Gorton and Openshaw enjoyed some sporting inspiration last week from a well known Geordie footballer.

Alan Shearer, as part of the EON National FA Cup Schools' Day, visited Varna Street Primary School in Openshaw and Wright Robinson Sports College in Gorton last Thursday and brought along with him the FA Cup.

The former England and Newcastle striker, who was accompanied by a police chaperone, expressed his delight to the welcome he received stating it was one of the warmest in Manchester.

The Match of the Day pundit spent around three hours at Varna Street Primary School where he held an assembly, took part in some football with the children and also sat in on a year six lesson.

Headteacher Bernard Madden, said: "We were very fortunate to have been chosen to celebrate the day.

"He played some football with a small group of pupils and he sat in on a lesson which was based on environmental issues.

"He was interacting with the children and they loved it."

Alan Shearer said on his visit to the school: "I don't usually get such a good reception.

"You can see from the excitement in the classroom how football can make learning fun.

"I just wish something like this had been around when I was at school."

Two policemen kept a close watch on the footballer and the famous trophy throughout the day.