Stoke City first team star Junior Tchamadeu made a surprise visit to a local primary school yesterday to officially open its new football pitch. 

The 19-year-old defender surprised pupils at Sandon Primary Academy, in Meir. 

Pupils and the local community alike will benefit from the transformed surface, which will allow them to remain physically active all year round. 

The 19-year-old defender visited the local school to officially open its new football pitch (Stoke City).

Speaking about his visit to the former primary school of Potters legend Denis Smith, Tchamadeu said: "It's been great to come down here and see how much it means to the children and local community.

"I remember when I was in their shoes as a little kid when footballers I looked up to came to my school. It's nice to see and I was happy to come along."

He added: "I spoke to the headteacher about everything she has put in place for the children to improve their physical activity levels at the school and it's unbelievable. Hopefully, they can be inspired to go on to do big things in the future."

PE Teacher, Ash Turner, said it was an 'inspiring' afternoon for the children at Sandon Primary Academy (Stoke City).

Specialist PE Teacher at Sandon Primary Academy, Ash Turner, said: "A few of the children go to the games, but for a lot of them it's the first time they have ever met a professional footballer. It's been a really inspiring afternoon.

"It's been amazing for them to meet Junior; someone who they may aspire to be in the future. At the end of the day that's what we are trying to do, to raise aspirations locally and get our children to realise that they can go on and achieve whatever they want to achieve."

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