Port Vale winger, Luke Hannant, visited pupils at Burnwood Community Primary school yesterday, as part of the clubs Premier League Primary Stars programme.
Luke, who recently joined the club in January from Neil Aspins former side Gateshead, popped in to see pupils who were mid discussion about resilience and the attributes associated with it on a daily basis.
Adam Yates was also in attendance as the pair discussed with the class about instances and experiences in their own personal lives and in their football careers where the players have shown resilience.
Luke had dropped out of the Football League when he was released by Cambridge F.C and went onto complete a degree in Sport Science, and then made his way back into the football league via a number of lower tier sides. Adam similarly played non-league football, after leaving Crewe Alexandra at 20 before climbing back into the Football League with Morecambe, before joining the Valiants in 2009.
After communicating with the children, the pair were able to understand the importance of interaction between players and the schools and was impressed how they responded to him particularly.
“It was really surprising just how welcoming the kids were with me and at how bright and intelligent their responses were.
"They were all very interested in my career path and the importance of being resilient, also how that can be portrayed in everyday life.
"One of the class even made the reference about me looking like a bumble bee! I hope she meant the colours on my training kit and not my shape!” Adam added.
The foundation visited the local Primary school school as part of its delivery for the Premier League Stars programme, and both Luke and Adam were impressed the attitude of the pupils.
Adam said: “The children seemed to relish the task of linking the qualities that can be associated with ‘resilience’ and that Luke and I had both formed football careers without dismissing our education which is so important.
"We as players make more of an impression on the community than we probably realise but for Luke it’s one of his first appearances but he’s assured me there’s more to come!”