Football star Gemma inspires school with her sporting visit
KINLOCHLEVEN High School had a visit from the most capped female footballer in the UK last Tuesday (June 21).
Gemma Fay, goalkeeper for the Glasgow Ladies team and captain for the Scottish international side, visited the school to give a talk and take part in some sporting activities with the pupils.
Ms Fay spoke to the thirdyear students about the keys to success and how she got to where she is today.
Holly Baldwin (S3) said: ‘She truly captured the whole class with her descriptions of her matches, the ups and downs and highs and lows of each game, talking about the battle against the opposition and the game- changing moments in breathtaking detail, which drew us in making us feel like we were really there, in the game or cheering on from the stadium.’
Ms Fay then spent the rest of the morning playing games with S3, teaching them the importance of teamwork, listening and quick reflexes.
She also coached both the boys’ and girls’ football teams in the afternoon.
Rebecca Small (S5) was particularly excited about the visit, as she is also a goalkeeper.
Rebecca said: ‘The whole visit was really exciting because it was a reward for all our volunteering action, our passion for helping the community and participating in sporting activities.
‘It was so much fun and we learned so much – passing skills, how to turn while playing as well as volleying and goalkeeping skills. I came away from the afternoon inspired to get to where she is today.’
Head teacher Mrs Machin said: ‘It was a really busy day for Gemma. She also took part in our first ever interhouse quidditch cup, involving our new P7s, their buddies and the Kinlochleven Midges. Gemma was a super sub for each of the teams alongside the house and sports captains.
‘It was great fun and Gemma came away saying that she was going to setting up her own quidditch team soon.
‘ We all really enjoyed having Gemma in our school for the day. One thing is for certain: Gemma may have left the school but her messages of how to succeed will definitely stay with us all.’