Schoolchildren used their jumpers for goalposts to mark an inaugural National Playground Football Day last week.
Organised by League Cup sponsor Capital One, the day celebrates the “long-standing British tradition” of playground football.
Internationals Nathaniel Clyne and Fran Kirby showed their support with a lunchtime kickabout with pupils from St Mary’s West Derby Church of England School, Liverpool, and St Andrew’s Primary School, Surrey.
“My earliest memories of kicking a ball are with my mates at school . . . and I’m still close with them today,” Clyne said.
Fran added: “Getting back out on the playground reminded me how much fun and significant those moments are growing up – those epic last goals right before the bell goes, the passion to play whatever the weather.”
Evoking memories of “next goal wins” and “Wembley doubles”, the day aims to encourage pupils to get outside for a lunchtime game as well as promote the benefits of regular exercise.
Pic: England football star Nathaniel Clyne joins pupils at St Mary’s West Derby Church of England School, Liverpool, for a lunchtime kick-about to launch National Playground Football Day
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