The visit came after pupils from local primary schools completed a project in which they devised and filmed short movies depicting the values of the Burnage College and Manchester United Foundation. The school were hosting an open evening later in the day to present awards to the children who took part but during the afternoon students were surprised when United goalkeepers Anders Lindegaard and Sam Johnstone and Brazilian right-back Rafael showed up for a preview of the films.
During the visit the players signed certificates to hand out to students before heading out onto the AstroTurf to participate in a penalty shoot-out with a year 8 PE class.
Following the kick-about star goalkeeper Lindegaard advised students, “The training we do for a match can be applied to education too; it is important to train and work hard and gather all your emotions to make you focus on achieving.”
The film project was organised in conjunction with the Foundation, which works closely with the all-boys school as part of our Hub of the Community scheme, and Perfect Circle who manage the school’s media and marketing activity and also produce ‘School TV’ on the BMAC website. The winning films were aired at the open evening and will be available to view on the College’s own video channel http://mediatv.burnage.manchester.sch.uk
Ian Fenn, head teacher, said: “We are delighted with the outstanding achievements of our boys and our future students this year. The tie-up with Manchester United Foundation recognises that sport is all encompassing. It provides young people with a focus, purpose, sense of team spirit and personal contribution which makes teachers, parents and students proud.”
John Shiels, chief executive of the Foundation, was on hand to present awards at the open evening and commented: “The success of the Burnage boys and the relationship with their local primary schools is a credit to the partnership we have developed with Ian Fenn and his team”.
Burnage Media Arts College is partnered with the Foundation as part of our Hub of the Community scheme. Find out more here.