Two international football stars have shared a first-hand insight into their successful football journeys with pupils at a Harrogate school.
Former England World Cup player Michael Dawson, who now works as a Sky TV pundit and commentator, told pupils from Ashville Prep School and Senior School about the demanding work, setbacks and team spirit that defined his 20-year playing career in the top flight.
While ex-Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch, one of the few Americans to manage at the very top of European football, brought his remarkable story to life as part of Ashville’s Sixth Form Speaker Programme.
Head of Ashville, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:
“As the nation looks forward to this summer’s 60th anniversary of England’s historic 1966 World Cup win, we have been thrilled to welcome both Michael and Jesse and their words of reflection and motivation for our next generation of sporting stars.
“Pupils were thoroughly absorbed as they highlighted the importance of resilience, teamwork and commitment in achieving success in becoming young leaders.
“Their engaging sessions took place as football goes from strength-to-strength in both its success and popularity for boys and girls across all Ashville year groups.
“A number of our pupils have been selected to represent both national and regional teams this year, with one recently signing youth terms for Bradford City.”
She added:
“Ashville is committed to helping every pupil fulfil their full potential.
"Listening first-hand to what it takes to reach the top level helps pupils recognise that the same hard work and focus can drive their success both academically and in sport.”
Michael, whose career progressed from kicking a ball in the streets of North Yorkshire to the World Cup South Africa, took questions on one of his visits from pupils from Years 3 to 6, and showed them his football shirts and prized England caps.
With no fewer than 469 league appearances for Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City behind him, Michael was part of the 2010 England World Cup squad that also included the likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch and captain Steven Gerrard.
The pinnacles of Michael’s playing career, which also included a League Cup win in 2008 and being named Tottenham Hotspur’s Player of the Year in 2010, are a far cry from his early life growing up in Leyburn.
The village is home to one of his first memories – playing football in the streets and against garage doors – before starting his career playing for Northallerton Town.
Now head coach of the Canada men's national soccer team, Jesse Marsch enjoyed a 14-season career in Major League Soccer (MLS), winning three MLS Cups and four United States Open Cups, as well as earning two caps for the US men's national side.
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