FOREST Green Rovers stars Paul Stonehouse and Les Afful visited Park Junior School in Stonehouse today, November 25, to talk about their careers and lead pupils in a training session.

The event, which was organised by the club’s supporters trust, was designed to raise the club’s profile in the community, and encourage the youngsters to pursue their footballing dreams.

Pupils from years four and five began by questioning the pair about their playing careers in the main hall before they were asked to show off one or two of their ball skills.

The children then lined up to practice heading the ball, before they all took to the field to work on their dribbling, tackling and shooting.

Earlier this season, Forest Green players visited Hempstead School in Gloucester, and more events are being planned for the new year.

Neil Cuddihy, the school’s PE co-ordinator, said: “It is important for the children to understand that football is not all about the big premiership clubs, but it is also important for them to know that an interest in the game will lead to a lot of other benefits in life, and help them develop the skills they need as young learners.”

Also present on the day was Phil Butterworth, the head teacher at Hempstead school and a senior member of the supporters trust, who said: “Hopefully by getting these players to talk about their healthy eating, and how they have worked hard to get where they are today, the children are going to listen and follow in their footsteps.”

Now in his fourth season at Forest Green, Monday’s visit was not the first time 21-year-old Paul had worked with schools in the county.

“For a club like ours it is vitally important to support the community whenever we can, especially because we rely on the community to support us.”

Paul’s views were backed up by 24-year old Les, who said: “It is always an enjoyable experience for the kids, and hopefully a lot of them will go home and ask their mums and dads to take them to see us play, which is great for the club.”