Students and staff from Goldfinch Primary School and Sacred Heart RC Primary School were surprised with the visit of the Premier League trophy as a celebration of their hard work this school year on Chelsea Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme.

Before getting a chance to have a picture with the famous trophy, which Chelsea have won five times in the past, students attended an assembly focused on the core values of the Premier League Primary Stars programme.

• Be ambitious- to work hard and to never give up on your goals

• Be inspiring- set a great example to others

• Be connected- work well with others

• Be fair- treat people equally and think of others

Students at Sacred Heart took part in a Premier League trophy-themed workshop, while Goldfinch enjoyed football coaching as well as a visit and Q&A session with Chelsea Academy player Charlie Holland.

Mrs Parker of Sacred Heart Primary School said: ‘On Premier League Primary Stars, the children have been inspired to be the best versions of themselves, thinking about fairness in football and most importantly on the playground. They have been able to consider how in sport and life in general, we need to be inclusive, promoting unity in all areas of our community. Having the Premier League trophy at our school is something we will all remember forever!’

Mrs O’Connor from Goldfinch Primary said: ‘We have always really appreciated the extra capacity Premier League Primary Stars has bought us a school. It has included so many interventions, particularly including maths, literacy and the gifting of books to the school. We have seen the impact and been able to measure the improvement in our children in reading which has been because of their enrollment in the programme. It was really special having the Premier League trophy in our playground, it will create a lasting lifelong memory for the children.’

Lourdes from Year 4 at Sacred Heart said: ‘It was very cool to see the trophy, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I’ve learned a lot of things this year including working together and to never give up.’

Oscar from the same class said: ‘This year we have learned a lot about respect and fairness. I couldn’t believe the Premier League trophy was in our assembly hall this morning!’

Victor Odeyemi, senior schools education officer at Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘Providing these opportunities is the essence of our Premier League Primary Stars programme. Both schools have been brilliant partners of the Foundation for several years and we had a fabulous day with the Premier League trophy celebrating the hard work of the students and staff this year.’

Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children be active and develop essential life skills.