AFC Bournemouth impressed during Saints visit

Saints Christian School had special visitors from the south of England on Wednesday, 15 May, when English Premier League club, AFC Bournemouth, visited the school as part of an ongoing partnership through SwitchedOn Education.

Six AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust coaches were welcomed with open arms from the moment they set foot at Saints. The learners and staff formed a tunnel from the main gate to the chapel with flags, posters and excited faces creating a vibrant atmosphere.

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Before heading off to present a skills clinic for Saints learners, the coaches were also treated to excellent dance performances, beautiful art pieces, and various musical performances.

Paul Topping, one of the coaches from the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, stated that he was blown away by the reception he received from Saints.

“We are truly humbled. Not only by the reception we received but also by how the skills clinics were received. The kids were disciplined and worked really hard. It has been a really great day for us,” he added.

Topping was joined by AFC Bournemouth women's goalkeeper, Katie Scadding, Jess Tremain (AFC Bournemouth Women’s defender), Sofia Bravo, Nathan Dragon and Lewis Condie.

The skills clinic, held at THS Potch’s fields, focused on basic football skills, while also providing a platform for the Saints footballers to implement what they learned in short matches. The main aim was to create a fun and engaging skills clinic where basic values also formed the cornerstone of the exercise.

The Community Sports Trust is a Premier League club's non-profit arm that works in the community through various football programs. This was the third year in a row that they visited Saints Christian School. Saints coaches have also had the opportunity to visit AFC Bournemouth as part of this growing relationship.

“It is truly incredible what our school is doing for our learners and staff. The amount of opportunities that Saints provide is something special and I can tell everyone that this is just the beginning for our school,” stated Saints Christian School CEO, Ché Williams.  

The AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust will also visit other schools in the country before heading back to the UK.