Primary school kids are football TV stars

A dozen Year 1 youngsters took part in filming earlier in the year, and the first episode is aired on Monday. Those who miss seeing the young footballers in action still have the chance to catch the second episode on Monday, July 4.

Footy Pups is about teaching youngsters new skills in a fun way. In each episode, Rachel Yankey, one of England’s most capped footballers, joins forces with the best­-known voice in football, John Motson, and a different team of young helpers.

Rachel and the five animated Footy Pups encourage a new generation of sporting stars, putting the fun back into kids’ football and celebrating a game that’s all about passing, thinking, developing skills and playing as a team.

Each week, a group of children learn a new skill from Rachel, then follow the pups on an animated adventure where they put their new­-found skill into practice, competing in an animal league against rival teams including hippos, ducks and cheetahs.

Grove Road headteacher Sharon Sanderson, said: “Footy Pups will delight parents and children and no doubt encourage a new generation of sports stars.

“What a wonderful opportunity for our children.”