Wilson strikes up interest at ‘Next 20’ visit
AFC Bournemouth hotshot Callum Wilson helped year eight and nine schoolchildren at Glenmoor and Winton Academies understand the importance of inclusion in his role as a ‘Next 20’ ambassador for Kick It Out.
The Cherries top scorer this season joined Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s Professional Players Engagement Manager, for an anti-discrimination workshop explaining the work of the organisation to the class of 30 students.
Following on from the workshop, Callum was invited up to the front of the class to face questions from the audience on the subjects discussed as well as probing the former Coventry star on his footballing career.
Speaking after the event the England Under-21s international spoke about his role as a ‘Next 20 ambassador. “For me I feel privileged and humble to be a part of Kick It Out,” Callum began.
“It’s an important role because even though racism has been mainly kicked out of the game it is still something that needs to be challenged in football and society.
“It was really good to sit in the workshop and see the children take in the advice Paul had to offer and they had some tough questions which they asked me at the end.”
Paul spoke of another successful event with Callum after he first appeared in his ‘Next 20’ role last year at President Kennedy School in Coventry where he was a former pupil.
“It was fantastic to have Callum once again in his role as an ambassador for Kick It Out,” said Paul. “He has obviously been a big hit on the pitch since his move down to Bournemouth but the event at Glenmoor and Winton proved he’s got as much to offer away from playing.
“He spoke extremely well with the students around the topics I raised in the workshop. Callum is a credit to Kick It Out and AFC Bournemouth and I hope we can work together again in the near future.”
To find out more about the ‘Next 20’ click here.
Image Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Steve Cook
