Pupil players' delight as FA Premier League trophy pays a visit to Black Country school

Pupils at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School in McKean Road in were all smiles to see the game's top prize when it was brought in as part of the Albion Foundation's Active Allies initiative last Friday.

Staff from the foundation which is linked to West Bromwich Albion teamed up with area MP Sarah Coombes and the Premier League to host the special assembly during which brand new football kit was presented to the school's girls team.

St Xavier's deputy head Natalie Smith said: "’The event was held to encourage girls to get involved in sports as well as create allies amongst the boys. It was also to explain to the children the meaning of sport and the importance of working together." 

 Among the themes of the assembly was a focus on equality with Ms Coombes explaining to the pupils that girls can achieve whatever they set their mind to.

Ms Coombes said: "Today we have learned a lot about girls playing football and the fact that girls can do whatever they want. Any kind of job, any kind of dream, they can achieve it. It has been brilliant.’’

Meanwhile Albion Foundation posted on social media platform, formerly Twitter: "Pupils at Xavier Catholic Primary School were also presented with 14 new girls’ team kits so they could continue to achieve their football goals.

"We teamed up with @SarahCoombesWB and the Premier League to deliver an Active Allies Assembly and present their amazing girls' football team with new kit. The students gained insight into life as an MP, learned about Premier League values and had a blast taking photos with the trophy."

St Francis Xavier is part of the Emmaus Multi Academy  Company within the Archdiocese of Birmingham.