IT WAS a dream come true for football mad Redditch pupils when they welcomed Crystal Palace and Birmingham City legend, Clinton Morrison into their playground.
The former Premier League and Republic of Ireland striker joined students at Walkwood C of E Middle School to host an assembly and provide some words of wisdom to the school’s football team.
Walkwood’s team have secured a once in a lifetime trip to play at Wembley after winning the Utilita Kids Cup Northern Section representing West Bromwich Albion.
During Clinton’s assembly, he spoke with the children about the importance of believing in yourself, working together in a team, enjoying every opportunity and focusing on special moments.
Ahead of the momentous occasion, the footballer turned Sky Sports pundit answered the schools burning questions about life as a professional footballer before the team took to Redditch United football ground for a training session with Clinton.
When discussing the team’s journey to Wembley, Clinton Morrison told the Standard: “To get to the final at Wembley, on the hallowed turf is a fantastic achievement from the school. I wish them well.
“Not a lot of professional players have played there so to get that opportunity is great.”
Following the assembly, West Brom’s Albion Foundation led the training session under the watchful eye of the school team’s coach, Chris Hunt who is incredibly proud of the team.
Whilst the team were training, their coach shared his thoughts on the squad and the special day. Chris told the Standard: “As soon as we knew Clinton was coming to the school there was a real, real buzz.
“Even though we’re playing at Wembley, I’m going to tell the kids its just a game. It’s still nine v nine and if we continue to do what we’ve done in the previous rounds, we’ll win the game.
“Their team spirit is great, the work ethic is amazing. It’s a whole team effort and the parents have been absolutely fantastic and supportive.
“I certainly am confident.”
Rounding out the day, Clinton shared some of his greatest footballing memories and what he would say to the kids ahead of kick-off at Wembley.
Clinton added: “There’s lots of great moments but scoring on my premier league debut with Crystal Palace, on my international debut with the Republic of Ireland and representing them at the World Cup in 2002 are some of my best.
“I lived every child’s dream.”
“In the dressing room, we’d be hyping it up. Even though they should enjoy it, I’d be telling them they need to win, I only want winners in here. Go and work hard.”
Walkwood will face-off with a school team representing Southampton before this season’s Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday, May 26.
Visit https://redditchstandard.co.uk/news/walkwood-middle-school-pupils-to-play-at-wembley-before-this-seasons-championship-play-off-final/ to read about the team’s road to Wembley.
