Students at Roe Farm Primary School enjoyed an unforgettable World Book Day this week as two Derby County first-team players visited the school to celebrate the joy and importance of reading. The players spent the afternoon taking part in book-themed activities including quizzes and discussions designed to foster pupils enthusiasm for reading.

The players joined the ‘be connected’ and ‘be inspired’ teams to support pupils in creating questions about well-known stories and football. The ‘be ambitious’ team, with the support of goalkeeper Josh Vickers emerged as winners.

Eames and Vickers were then introduced to the whole school where they answered questions from excited pupils. They spoke about their favourite childhood books and the books they read today as professional athletes.

Josh Vickers shared his love for the Harry Potter series, explaining how The Goblet of Fire is his favourite book (and film!). Owen Eames highlighted the importance of learning and staying focused at school saying: “Make sure you take school seriously because it does help you even if you want to be a footballer. You’ve still got to learn and listen because it is a big part of your life.”

The visit was part of Derby County Community Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars delivery. 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 to be active and develop essential life skills.