The footballer delighted a group of children in south Liverpool today
The footballer spoke to a group of children at Much Woolton Primary School(Image: EMMA SIMPSON)
A group of school children were stunned after an Everton FC player made a surprise visit to their Woolton school for World Book Day.
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was smuggled into Much Woolton Primary School today (Thursday, March 5) to read an extract from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to a blindfolded group of seven-to-11-year-olds, who are part of the Club’s School Supporters’ Club programme. Children taking part in the secret reader sessions listen to a story being read, then use clues and ask questions to guess the reader’s identity, fostering listening skills and reading engagement at a crucial chapter in their lives.
Dewsbury-Hall answered that his favourite place in the city was Hill Dickinson Stadium and his favourite colour was blue. Once he confirmed that his favourite sweets were toffees, and his uniform was a football kit, excitement levels rose.
When the royal blue blindfolds were finally removed, the young students – all Evertonians from across the school – were overjoyed to see one of their Toffees’ heroes playing the main character in their gripping adventure.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall at Much Woolton Primary School for World Book Day(Image: EMMA SIMPSON)
Dewsbury-Hall said: “I read a bit of Harry Potter to the class and it was a bit nerve wracking. I’ve not read aloud for a while, but I really enjoyed it. The kids were excited and it’s a nice feeling when they see you and react like that.”
Dewsbury-Hall rounded off his visit by handing out signed photos and spending time discussing books with the engaged fans.
He added: “The Harry Potter films are my favourite of all time – and the books are even better. Nowadays I like to read non-fiction as I still love to learn.
“I read a lot of autobiographies, and a lot of business books and motivational books, too.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall said it was “nerve wracking” to read to the school children(Image: EMMA SIMPSON)
“The important thing with books is choosing something you enjoy.
“Reading is a great way to relax and it also helps us learn more about the world, so it’s such a good habit to get into.”
The Everton School Supporters’ Club initiative runs across the Liverpool City Region. Everton says the initiative brings young Blues together in a classroom environment, developing their shared passion for the Club and using the power of football as a tool for learning.
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