Rio Ferdinand made a surprise appearance to his old school in Peckham to give pupils a lesson on poetry.
The Premier League football hero and TV presenter gave Camelot Primary School pupils a lesson on this year’s Premier League Writing Stars competition, themed around ‘diversity’.
The competition, open to all primary pupils in England and Wales, aims to help get young people into writing poetry.
Ferdinand will help judge the final winners, alongside musician Olly Murs and children’s laureate Lauren Child.
Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 25,000 primary-age pupils join in with their poetic offerings – and any style goes, with rap and music lyrics also allowed.
Ferdinand told the class all about his time growing up in Peckham, before pupils shared their poems on respect, tolerance, and how diversity should be celebrated.
Ferdinand said: “It was great to be back at my old primary school for Premier League Writing Stars.
“Using children’s passion for football to inspire them to write creatively about the theme of diversity is really important and I’ve been very impressed by the poems I’ve heard.
“I came from the estate opposite Camelot Primary School and as a Premier League footballer I have been lucky enough to travel around the world, meeting people from different backgrounds and who have different beliefs.
“I hope that by sharing my experiences with the children today it can have a positive impact on helping them to understand the importance of diversity and that although we are all different, we are very much the same.”
The competition, open to all primary pupils in England and Wales, aims to help get young people into writing poetry.
Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 25,000 primary-age pupils join in with their poetic offerings – and any style goes, with rap and music lyrics also allowed.
The winning entries will be published in a limited edition book – and the number one prize will be read out by the judges.
Teachers have until Friday, December 21, to submit their pupils’ entries, with winners announced in March next year.
For more information or to register, visit www.plprimarystars.com