Football legend is inspiring children

OPEN . . . Sir Bobby Charlton (centre) cuts the ribbon at Woodlands Primary Academy with (from left) acting head teacher Phil Sharrock, Tyler Carnegie, Lady Norma Charlton, India Cudjoe, Brayden Watson and Evaaney Eaves

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MANCHESTER United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton officially opened one Oldham school and launched the Manchester United Foundation at another.

On Wednesday, at Woodlands Primary Academy - the former Watersheddings Primary now sponsored by the Huddersfield-based Moor End Multi-Academies Trust - Sir Bobby cut a ribbon to declare the school open and joined children in the playground as they practised their football skills.

John Shiels, Manchester United Foundation CEO, speaking on Sir Bobby's behalf, told youngsters that, after football, visiting schools is one of Sir Bobby's favourite things.

He said this was one of the best schools he had visited during his travels around the world and he reminded the pupils that globally 76 million children do not have the chance to go to school.

"We want you to try your best. Can you do that?" he asked the children who loudly replied 'Yes'.

"It is fantastic that you are now working with Waterhead Academy (another Moor End Multi Academies Trust sponsored school linked to the Manchester United Foundation). Working together we can make all you little people grow into big people and have a lovely, lovely life."

Acting head teacher Phil Sharrock, who is in place until Easter when executive head Alison Black takes over, said the school's new motto is "the future begins here". He said the work done through Waterhead Academy with the Manchester United Foundation had benefited children enormously.

"It is a wonderful experience for them, raising aspirations and inspiring the pupils," he said.

The foundation, which sets out to use football to engage and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and unite their communities, was launched at Waterhead Academy in September.

Sir Bobby and his wife Lady Norma unveiled a plaque to commemorate the partnership after a dance performance from Year 11 pupils Amber Milward and Jay Harrison and singing from Year 9 pupil Paiden Ball.

Mr Shiels told the audience of Year 7 pupils Sir Bobby had been his teacher for many years and was still his teacher. He said the director of Manchester United had taught him four important things - always listen, never accept second best, look after one another and help each other, and want every day to be like Christmas Day or Eid.

He urged them to be positive and to come to school wearing massive smiles and to make Waterhead Academy not only the best school in Oldham, but the best in Greater Manchester. If they practised these four things they would, Mr Shiels told them, have fantastic lives.

The partnership between Waterhead and the foundation is focused on building valuable relationships with local primary schools, said principal James Haseldine.

He said the project had unlocked doors and provided many opportunities for children.