Leeds United players Marc Roca and Joel Robles were recently on hand to join a special Zoom session with young students at ̨Íåswag Academy Hemsworth who are currently learning Spanish.

The Leeds United Foundation has been building a relationship with the academy over the last season, supporting their teaching and learning programme through interventions with student behaviour and attendance, whilst also helping students to engage in their education and lessons as much as possible.

During the online call with the Leeds United duo based at the Thorp Arch training facility, the young pupils each took turns to ask a number of questions - all in Spanish, about their thoughts on learning other languages, the differences between the cultures in Spain and England and how they have settled into life at Leeds United. Marc and Joel answered several questions each, first answering in Spanish and then helping the students by translating to English for them.

Following the exciting session, Andrew Cross, Head of MFL, said:

"It's been an absolute joy today. We got the pleasure to speak with Marc and Joel and they were speaking to the kids about the importance of learning languages, why they should learn other languages, what the differences are between Spain and England; whether it was the food or weather and the students walked out saying 'Wow, I can understand why languages are so important'.

"The real aim today was to show the students why learning Spanish could improve their futures and I think they've all been able to see that today. Marc and Joel spoke about how amazing it's been for them to learn other languages, what it's done for them and how it's helped with their careers. It really was fantastic for the students and we can't thank them enough!"

Coaches from the Leeds United Foundation are based at ̨Íåswag Academy Hemsworth every week and they work across all departments within the school, building relationships with the students, especially those that require some extra support and encouragement.

If you would like more information about the work being done with secondary school education through the Leeds United Foundation, please contact Andrew.Wormald@leedsunited.com. 

Photo Credit. Leeds United