Pupils are Star-struck as United boss pays them a shock visit
WINNERS of the regional heats of the Premier League Primary Stars competition organised by Newcastle United Foundation received a surprise guest - when Rafa Benitez visited them at the first-team training ground for the finals.
The finals brought together the qualifying mixed and girls teams to play out a final round to decide who would represent Newcastle at the national tournament at Leicester’s King Power Stadium in May.
After incredibly hard-fought games, with the quality of football high throughout, it was Ovingham Middle School who took home the gold from the girls’ teams, Marden Bridge qualifying from the mixed squads.
Football was not the only cause for excitement on the day, though.
The Premier League trophy added glamour to proceedings before the surprise visit from Magpies’ boss Benitez, who took time out of his busy schedule to shake hands and speak to the children.
Alex Curran, Primary Area Coordinator for Northumberland and North Tyneside at the Foundation, said: “The Premier League Primary Stars programme has been a fantastic initiative in developing the skills of the children both on and off the pitch.
“It is great to see that coming together at both the regional tournaments and here at the finals.
“Everyone loved taking photos with the Premier League trophy and Rafa stopping by to say hello really made the day something special.”
The winners head down to the East Midlands in May to take on the best primary school teams the rest of the country has to offer. ■■SUNDERLAND defenders Bryan Oviedo and Donald Love visited pupils at St Matthew’s School in South Tyneside.
The youngsters were participating in a coaching session aimed at improving their fitness and overall health run by the Tesco Bank Junior Players initiative, of which the NUFC Foundation is one of the leaders.