Lucas inspires budding young local footballers
Tue 04 March 2025, 15:59|
Tottenham Hotspur
Lucas Bergvall visited a primary school in Edmonton, Enfield, today (Tuesday 4 March) to show his support for the Club’s ongoing work to develop young footballers in our local community.
The Swedish midfielder dropped in on a session for around 30 children between the ages of 10-11 at Galliard Primary School as part of the NextGen programme, delivered by the Club’s Football Development team.
The NexGen programme provides free opportunities for aspiring young players to enhance their skills and confidence based on the philosophy and coaching methodology of Tottenham Hotspur as part of the Club’s Player Development Pathway.
The programme, which launched in January 2023, has a clear emphasis on providing an inclusive and authentic experience for participants and is delivered in some of the areas of greatest socio-economic deprivation in London, with Edmonton itself among the 10% most deprived wards in England.
Lucas gave an insight about his own footballing journey during a conversation with the students.
He said: “It was great to see all the kids enjoying the activities at the school. It reminds of my childhood growing up in Sweden, having opportunities to play football with my friends and having fun, learning new stuff every day.”
Michael, 10, said: “I am a massive Spurs fan, so this was a very special day for me. I was so excited when he arrived.”
Donny Campaniello, Next Generation Programme Coordinator at Tottenham Hotspur, said: “It was a pleasure to have Lucas attend the session today and see his commitment to supporting development pathways for aspiring young footballers in our community. He was also able to provide a fascinating insight into his own journey to becoming a professional footballer.
“Our NextGen programme provides all players opportunities to progress into the club's overarching Player Development Programmes and is a fantastic platform for those who are seeking a clear route into football, whatever their level. Our mission is to support individual players at each step of their football journey.”
The Global Football Development team impacts around 25,000 players and coaches annually across schools and grassroots youth football clubs across London, Hertfordshire and Essex.
