Nottingham Forest star Callum Hudson-Odoi surprised pupils at a Carlton primary school when he dropped in as part of the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign.
The Forest winger visited Porchester Junior School on Standhill Road, where filming was taking place for the campaign.
Hudson-Odoi joined pupils for a classroom session focusing on equality, diversity, inclusion and respect, subjects which form part of the school’s curriculum.
Children also got the chance to turn interviewer, putting their own questions to the Forest player and sharing their thoughts about issues they had been discussing in class.
Headteacher Vicki Welsby said: “I could not have been prouder of our children during Callum Hudson-Odoi’s visit.
“Respect is one of our core school values, and equality and diversity are central to our curriculum, so hearing Callum speak about his own experiences brought these important messages to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
“Our children asked thoughtful questions, shared their views with confidence and were an absolute credit to our school.”
But there was an extra surprise in store for one particularly devoted young Forest supporter.
Year 3 pupil Oliver Shaw had no idea Hudson-Odoi was visiting the school before the footballer walked into his classroom.
Oliver was presented with a signed shirt before Hudson-Odoi made the experience even more memorable by FaceTiming fellow Forest player Igor Jesus.
Mrs Welsby said: “Watching Oliver’s reaction when he met Callum Hudson-Odoi was truly heartwarming.
“Knowing Callum was visiting our school, we simply couldn’t let Oliver miss the opportunity to meet him as he is such a devoted Nottingham Forest fan.
“Receiving a signed shirt was a dream come true for Oliver, but Callum went above and beyond by FaceTiming Igor Jesus, making an unforgettable experience even more special.”
Oliver has now also been invited to Nottingham Forest’s match against Manchester City this weekend, where the school says he will get the chance to meet Igor Jesus and other players.
Oliver said: “I was super excited because they are great Nottingham Forest players. It was the best surprise ever.
“Now I have a signed shirt, and I can’t believe I also got to speak to Igor Jesus too. I will remember this forever!”
Joe Whittle, the school’s inclusion lead, said he knew meeting Hudson-Odoi would be a special moment for the young Forest supporter.
He said: “Oliver is a huge Forest fan and I have had lots of conversations with him this year about the games and his favourite players.
“I knew that meeting Callum Hudson-Odoi would make his day.”
Other pupils also spoke about getting the opportunity to meet and interview the Premier League player.
Year 6 pupil Leo said: “It was incredible to meet a footballer who can inspire you to make the right choices.
“I was lucky enough to get to interview him, and I had to show confidence throughout. I was excited by the whole day!”
Fellow Year 6 pupil Daniel said the class had been learning about respect and racism both within football and more generally before their surprise visitor arrived.
He said: “When Callum Hudson-Odoi walked in, I was amazed!”
Jenson, also in Year 6, described Hudson-Odoi as an “inspiration”, while pupil Thea said it was “not often you get to meet a professional footballer”.
Billy, another Forest supporter in Year 6, added: “I will remember this forever because Callum plays for the team I support.
“When he walked in, I was so shocked I went silent! Meeting him was the best thing I have done!”
Mrs Welsby thanked Hudson-Odoi, Nottingham Forest and the Premier League for giving pupils the opportunity.
She said: “Meeting a respected footballer was exciting for our children, but the lessons they learned about inclusion, respect and belonging, along with the memories they made, will stay with them for years to come.”
