Notts first team players Fabian Spiess and Ronan Murray visited Shirebrook Academy last week…
The duo took part in the school’s languages week where students learnt new cultures and languages with activities ranging from Italian art, French crepe making, Spanish dancing, Capoeira and visits from special guests including a professional French chef.
Last Thursday’s event ‘Germany v Ireland’, started with Fabian and Ronan introducing themselves and telling students a little about their background and involvement with other cultures and language.
Spiess told the Official Site: “You can learn a lot today with different languages. I’ve lived in different countries, and that might be one of the students one day.”
Meanwhile Murray added: “It’s nice to know about different cultures and you’ve got your own culture here at Shirebrook. It’s different here for everyone else and you’ve got to look out for new things in the world.”
The pair then managed their respected teams for a football match, which finished 3-3 in a tense affair.
James Edwards, Head of MFL at the Academy said: “I would like to thank the club for agreeing to Ronan and Fabs joining us for the afternoon and thank them both for taking time out to be with us.
“For the way they interacted with our students and the impact they had on them this afternoon. The students had been very excited to meet the players all week and they went home buzzing. It was great that Fabs and Ronan were able to inspire students a little with what they have achieved and their experiences of other cultures.”
Assistant Principal Cheryl Booth added: “Football has always been an activity that has drawn our community together – the experience the students had yesterday will be one they will never forget.
“Fabian and Ronan speaking about the importance of education and languages was inspiring and really brought home to students what their future opportunities may be.”
The activity ended with a man of the match presentation with a signed football for the best player on each team, with one lucky student also winning a signed pair of Fabs’ goalkeeping gloves.