Blackburn Rovers players surprised children at a youth centre in Darwen and it looks like they had a great day.
First-team players Scott Wharton and Sondre Tronstad visited a junior club at Darwen Youth Centre, surprising the young people who attended.
The children enjoyed playing football with the players on the astroturf outside before heading inside for a Black History Month workshop where everyone contributed towards the mural the group have been working on.
The pair then took part in a toast and talk session where the young people are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings about things on their mind.
Scott said: “It has been really good. We came down today to see all of the kids. We surprised them a bit and there were a lot of football questions.
“A lot of the kids look up to people like us and will go to the games to watch us. If we can do our bit to help make their day a bit better [we will].
“There were quite a few kids with Blackburn tops and a few have been to some games this season.
“The more kids and fans to get the kids and fans to the game the better. A massive part of football is getting the younger generation through and watching the games.”
Rowena Hayhurst, neighbourhood youth offer manager, said “It was so lovely to see the smiles on the faces of the children when the players arrived and spent time with them playing football and a variety of other activities including the Black History Month workshop and the Toast and Talk session.
“The players were very interested in finding out about the club, and we look forward to welcoming any young people who would like to attend any of our Junior or Youth clubs.”
Blackburn Rovers Community Trust’s Neighbourhood Youth Offer has been running for five years and provides a huge range of clubs, events and activities that help improve the health and well-being of young people within the Blackburn with Darwen Borough to help foster a more inclusive society.
Clubs at Darwen Youth Centre take place on Monday and Friday afternoons, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. At the club young people take part in a variety of activities, with food and drink provided.
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