Zach’s mascot role for his anti-bullying work
AN 11-year-old Leicester boy was given the honour of being a virtual football mascot for England as a reward for his anti-bullying work.
Zach Ramsell was the mascot for the national team’s recent victories over Iceland and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
The reward came from FA Respect Campaign and England team partner, Nationwide Building Society.
Nationwide chose Zach for the work he has been doing in the local community as an Anti-Bullying Ambassador.
As part of the prize, Zach got a brand new full England kit, tickets to a future game at Wembley and also the chance to ask questions to Three Lions players via a virtual link.
Zach said: “My favourite current England player is the Foxes’ James Maddison – even more so as I am a Leicester fan.
“My favourite moment as an England fan was getting into the semi-finals of the World Cup.
“I am a midfielder for my local team Glenfield United and I recently scored a very good goal for them.
“To get the chance to ask questions to England players and help improve my own game is something I will never forget.”
Nationwide Building Society,
partner of The FA, has pledged to ensure that one million parents and coaches engage with The FA Respect campaign over the next three years to help build a more mutually respectful society both on and off the pitch.
Nationwide has signed a new three-year partnership with The FA and will support the body’s grassroots Respect campaign.
It is committed to investing in and improving communities across the UK, and has undertaken research to show that there are “increasing levels of disrespect” in the UK – something it aims to tackle.
According to the research, 66 per cent of the British public say that levels of disrespect have become unacceptable, with 71 per cent feeling that the problem has worsened in the last two years.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of those surveyed believe public figures are responsible for setting a good example, with 63 per cent believing that footballers should set an example by showing respect on the pitch.
England manager Gareth Southgate has also helped the Nationwide Building Society’s drive for mutual respect in society by advocating the ‘Power of Positivity’.
For more information, visit: