Local schoolchildren put interview skills to the test with Ben

Ben Davies shared why he is passionate about reading with pupils from West Green Primary School in Haringey at a Premier League Magazine Team workshop led by the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation.

Hosted by BBC Match of the Day magazine journalist Jake Wilson at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the 24 Year 4 pupils who took part learned how to research and interview a footballer for a magazine article.

They then put their interview skills into practice as they posed a variety of questions for Ben, from how he became a footballer to whether he thought he could eat a hot dog in 30 seconds. (The answer? Yes!)

The 30-year-old Welsh defender said: “I enjoy reading because it’s a great hobby to have away from football. The more I read, the more I learn, so I think it’s the perfect way to pick up new knowledge. Reading is also a welcome distraction from the instant gratification of looking at your phone. I find it very relaxing and read as much as I can.

“When I was younger, I really enjoyed reading the Harry Potter series. I was obsessed with football from a young age, so I loved Match magazine. I went to the post office every week to buy it. I’ve recently become a dad and my four-month-old has lots of books we’re already starting to read to her.”

Premier League Magazine Team is a fully-resourced 10-week programme that supports pupils from Key Stage 2 to create their very own magazine.

It is part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme that the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has been working alongside the National Literacy Trust to deliver to thousands of children in schools across north London, motivating them to improve their literacy skills through the subject of football.

One pupil who joined the workshop with Ben had already made significant progress in literacy after taking part in Premier Leage Magazine Team last term, culminating in him writing his own stories in which he put himself in the shoes of a professional footballer at the World Cup.

Nathaniel Steed, Primary Stars Coordinator for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “We see on a frequent basis how Premier League Magazine Team sessions make such a positive difference to children’s learning and this special workshop at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium only served to boost creative thinking, with Ben’s visit warmly received by pupils.

“Our thanks to Ben and the BBC Match of the Day magazine team, as well as the Premier League and National Literacy Trust for their ongoing support.”

At the end of the workshop, pupils received a Spurs notebook, the latest copy of the BBC Match of the Day magazine, a Baller bag and a copy of I am Lenny Brown by Dan Freedman, all to encourage them to continue on their reading and writing journeys.

Jim Sells, Sport & Literacy Programme Manager for the National Literacy Trust, said: “We use the excitement and passion surrounding sport to motivate and inspire young people to improve their literacy skills.

“The workshop with Ben was a fantastic example of this, allowing the pupils to think creatively, speak up and see how literacy feeds into the world of journalism and sport.

“We thank the Premier League, BBC Match of the Day magazine and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation for their continued support and collaboration on our mission to change children’s life stories.”

To find out more about the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the educational support it provides in the community please contact foundation@tottenhamhotspur.com.