Saddlers stars help pupils learn new languages
Two Walsall FC stars met with pupils to discuss the importance of learning foreign languages during a school visit.
Saddlers players Erhun Oztumer and Florent Cuvelier visited Walsall Academy in Bloxwich to speak with pupils and observe foreign language classes.
The players answered questions from children at the school, before Oztumer, who was born in Greenwich but is of Turkish Cypriot descent, helped pupils to master some Turkish phrases.
The midfielder, who has made 51 appearances for Walsall, said: “It was a learning experience for me as well - it brought me back ten or fifteen years to when I was at school and I’ve really enjoyed it.
“I wasn’t expecting the standard to be that great.
"Turkish isn’t really that common a language so it was really good, and I think if they do go on holiday to Turkey they will have a few things to say.”
Belgian midfielder Cuvelier, who has made more than 60 appearances for the club including two loan spells, spoke with A Level students, allowing the Sixth Formers to test their French skills.
He said: “Obviously coming from another country you can always relate to people who are learning to speak another language, and the standard was excellent.
“The club get involved in a lot of events like these and it is always good to come and give our experience from what we do on a daily basis.”
The footballers also spoke about their experiences in the UK and abroad, and how knowing another language has helped them during their football career.
Leigh Milkamanavicius, head of languages at Walsall Academy, added: “The lads have spoken really favourably about languages.
"We wanted them to get the students engaged a little bit more, and to help them understand the importance of languages.
“We can’t put into words how excited our students have been about today.
"The ones who have been selected to turn up have had the best time of their lives.”
Walsall FC Community Programme organise appearances with Saddlers players at schools and projects in the local community.
Paul Larvin, Manager for Education at Walsall FCCP, said: “We are proud of Walsall FC’s reputation as a ‘community club’, and try to engage with projects in the local area as much as possible.
“Education is a big part of the Community Programme and we are delighted Erhun and Flo could inspire these Walsall Academy youngsters.”
