Jordan goes back to school
England captain Jordan Henderson has paid a virtual visit to his old primary school in Sunderland.
Children of key workers, who are also pupils at East Herrington Primary Academy on Balmoral Terrace, had a question and answer session with the footballer, who lifted the Champions League trophy for Liverpool in 2019.
The children were able to virtually meet their hero as part of the BT Skills for Tomorrow scheme, which helps parents to homeschool their children during lockdown.
Henderson, 29, has three children of his own and was happy to appear onscreen at his old school.
He told the pupils there: “As you know, a long time ago I used to go to your school.
“I’m here with BT to say thank you to you and your parents.”
He also revealed what he has been doing during lockdown with his own children.
He added: “I’ve been doing a lot of home schooling. So they’ve been teaching me really!”
“My kids love the trampoline as well. So I’ve been on that quite a lot. I’m getting good at it now!”
He had an inspiring answer for one pupil, who asked: “Did you ever give up?”
The midfielder answered: “No matter what you do in your life, I think the most important thing is never to give up and always try and turn a negative into a positive.
“I’m sure everybody goes through difficult times, like now is really hard. Try not to give up and find a positive.”
BT is the main sponsor of the both the men’s and women’s England teams.
England women’s defender Millie Bright visited her old school in Derbyshire by video call too.
Henderson finished by saying: “Thank you for your time. You all look in really good spirits. Keep smiling!”
Born in Sunderland, Henderson joined the Black Cats at the age of 18, making his first team debut in November 2008. He spent six months on loan at Coventry City in 2009 before returning to Sunderland.
The Liverpool captain left Sunderland, the club he still supports, in 2011.
He was a key player as England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, their best performance in the tournament since winning it in 1966.