Whitefield Primary School received a professional briefing at the Senior Training Centre ahead of their big moment representing Rovers in the EFL Kids Cup Final.
The Penwortham-based school will be playing as Blackburn Rovers in the showpiece final on Monday 27th May when they take on Brentford’s representatives Collis Primary School as the curtain raiser to the Championship play-off final.
As a result, they were invited down to the club’s indoor training facility to be put through their paces by Community Trust coach Tom Perris, as well as breaking off to meet several stars of the first team who gave them encouragement and advice on how to make the most of the occasion.
First up, the group was re-acquainted with goalkeeper David Raya, who coached many of the same players when they also won the right to represent the club in last season’s competition, and he was also accompanied by Scotland international Craig Conway, who was able to draw upon previous experience of being part of a Wembley squad.
They were quickly joined by Bradley Dack and Danny Graham to provide some inspiration on becoming match-winners, followed by fellow forward Ben Brereton, who told them how he was fortunate enough to take part in a similar tournament final during his childhood in Stoke.
With further motivational advice from Amari’i Bell and a chat from Republic of Ireland international Darragh Lenihan on the art of defending and the challenge of playing on the big stage, the youngsters went away fully versed on everything they need to know about the exciting proposition before them.
As an added twist to the afternoon’s excitement, the whole visit was captured on camera by iconic Granada Reports journalist Paul Crone, who provided extra fun as he filmed a package for broadcast on the regional news show.
