England football star Bukayo Saka stunned pupils as he returned to his primary school in a surprise visit to celebrate the power of positive role models for young people.
Saka’s return to Edward Betham Primary, in Oldfield Lane, Greenford, came hot on the heels of new YouGov research, commissioned this year by Chase, that revealed the vital role of sporting role models in young people’s lives (aged 6-16).
The study found that 4 in every 5 (79%) of the children said they looked up to someone in sport and admired a famous player or athlete, while a quarter (25%) said they were inspired by their coach or PE teacher.
And the findings also showed that more than 8 in every 10 (84%) of these youngsters saw sport as a gateway to essential life skills like resilience, teamwork, and communication.
During his visit, Bukayo reunited with his former headteacher Caroline Chamberlain and PE coach Leigh Curtin, both of whom played pivotal roles in his early development. Saka spoke with pupils about the teachers, mentors and coaches who guided his journey both on and off the pitch. Children also had the chance to quiz him in a lively Q&A, where he reflected on his own role models, as well as the skills he developed that he continues to use today, from perseverance to teamwork.
He looked at the mural of him at the school commissioned in 2021. He was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ealing Council in 2022 – the youngest ever recipient.
‘Teachers and coaches believed in me’
Bukayo Saka said: “Coming back to Edward Betham to hear the students talking about their role models and how I might have inspired them has been a blessing for me. I was lucky to have teachers and coaches who believed in me, not just in football but in life.
“I think PE teachers and junior football coaches are very important. Each kid is different. And, obviously, some kids need more love, some kids need a push. These guys are very important and they’ve been very important in my career and helping me get to where I am. I’m a big believer in them.
“Feeling supported to explore your interests and having good people to help you can make all the difference, and it’s why I believe that role models can be powerful in shaping you as a person. When young people have someone they can look up to, it shows them what’s possible.”
‘A brilliant role model’
Headteacher Caroline Chamberlain said: “It’s such a joy to welcome Bukayo back to Edward Betham. He was always a hardworking, kind and determined pupil, and it’s wonderful for our pupils to see what he’s gone on to achieve. At our school, we focus on developing qualities like perseverance, teamwork and communication through all areas of school life, including sport. As a result, Bukayo is now a brilliant role model himself, who demonstrates how those skills can carry you far, whatever path you choose.”
Leigh Curtin, PE teacher at Edward Betham Primary, said: “Bukayo is a positive role model and a fantastic role model all round. Just because of the way he carries himself. He’s very kind natured. Always giving. Very humble. He’s been massive to this school and this community in terms of giving back. He’s donated football kits to us; he’s donated school uniforms to us. But, generally, just the way he carries himself aside from the sport.”
Coaching programme
The Chase football coaching programme is helping create more role models for children around the UK, by providing fully funded access to introductory coaching qualifications and professional coaching bursaries for people from low-income backgrounds.
Deborah Keay, chief marketing officer at Chase, said, “Our aim was to create long lasting impact in communities across the UK. By supporting more people in their journey to become coaches, we can help create more role models who inspire, guide and pass on transferable skills that will help young people succeed in the future. At Chase, we’re committed to continuing to build these opportunities so that individuals can thrive both on and off the pitch.”
