Pupils follow in Danny Fullbrook’s footsteps for EFL’s Day of Action

As all 72 EFL Clubs came together for a Community Day of Action on Tuesday 19 March, Brentford FC highlighted the legacy of sports journalist Danny Fullbrook through its journalism project with the Club’s Community Sports Trust. More than sixty pupils from Heston Primary School joined Brentford players Yoann Barbet, Moses Odubajo Emiliano Marcondes and Tom Field for a masterclass in sports journalism at Brentford’s training ground.

The journalism project, which is run in partnership with the Fearless Foundation and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, supports local children with their creative potential.

And pupils unlocked this potential when they also took part in an exclusive Sky Sports News press conference with the EFL’s CEO Shaun Harvey and quizzed him in a mock-style press conference. They also received an expert broadcasting session delivered by Sky Sports presenter Scott Minto.

Brentford defender Yoann Barbet, who was grilled by the budding journalists at Brentford’s training ground, said:

“I was very impressed with the pupils in our mock style press conference – they asked really interesting questions.

“People always assume that football is just about every Saturday afternoon at Griffin Park but it’s important to highlight what Brentford FC and its Community Sports Trust are doing behind the scenes – reaching out to the local community and inspiring local pupils.”

Along with its journalism project, Brentford players and coaches also took part in a number of community projects to celebrate the Community Sports Trust’s pioneering projects. This  included:

• Brentford’s top goal scorer Neal Maupay joined defender Julian Jeanvier for a grassroots football coaching session in Southall. The project, run in partnership with the housing provider A2Dominion and BBC Children in Need, is credited with creating a safe space for young people to enjoy sport.
• B-Team Assistant Coach Allan Steele and Strength and Conditioning Coach Tom Perryman ran a fitness session for Brentford fans on the Trust’s weight management programme. Since 2016, the initiative has supported 65 adults live healthier lifestyles.

The EFL Day of Action saw all 72 EFL Clubs come together to highlight the work undertaken to tackle some of society’s biggest issues. Up and down the country, managers and players from the EFL’s 72 Clubs attended events to pay special visits to participants and turn their hand to some of the activities taking place throughout the day.

EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey said: “The EFL Day of Action brings together all 72 Clubs to highlight the special role they play in enhancing the lives of millions of people around the country.

“The scale of ground-breaking projects across our network of Clubs continues to grow year-on-year and their delivery is integral to our aims of improving lives in a range of areas including inclusion, homelessness, education and health.”