Moses Makasi and Lewis Page took part in a Foundation Soccer School at UEL
West Ham United’s Moses Makasi and Lewis Page delighted youngsters at one of the Foundation’s Soccer Schools at the University of East London by paying a surprise visit on Thursday 18 February.
The two Academy graduates took part in a number of drills and exercises before being grilled in a wide ranging and gruelling Q&A session.
After the interrogation, the players signed a number of autographs and posed for pictures with the children.
Speaking after the event, 20-year-old Makasi enthused: “I used to be just like the kids in there, dreaming of being a footballer. I just wanted to get involved wherever I could, in projects, playing football whenever I could.
“It was really good, because we got to interact with the fans. It’s nice to do something a little different away from the training ground.
“It’s always good to give something back, the fans want to know about you. Afterall they pay for it and make it all worthwhile so it’s always good to give something back.”
Nineteen year old left-back Lewis Page, who is enjoying a successful loan spell at Cambridge United was equally enthusiastic: “I remember being really excited when an older player came in. I think Daniel Gabbidon came to an event like this and I was buzzing to see him.
“It’s funny being on the other side of it now. It’s good to try and help younger players to achieve their dream and if there’s any way we can help, than that’s great.
“The questions were pretty difficult but it was nice to get to know some of the kids and give them advice. I’ve never really done these events before so it’s important for myself as a professional to learn and get better at public speaking.”
The two Academy graduates took part in a number of drills and exercises before being grilled in a wide ranging and gruelling Q&A session.
After the interrogation, the players signed a number of autographs and posed for pictures with the children.
Speaking after the event, 20-year-old Makasi enthused: “I used to be just like the kids in there, dreaming of being a footballer. I just wanted to get involved wherever I could, in projects, playing football whenever I could.
“It was really good, because we got to interact with the fans. It’s nice to do something a little different away from the training ground.
“It’s always good to give something back, the fans want to know about you. Afterall they pay for it and make it all worthwhile so it’s always good to give something back.”
Nineteen year old left-back Lewis Page, who is enjoying a successful loan spell at Cambridge United was equally enthusiastic: “I remember being really excited when an older player came in. I think Daniel Gabbidon came to an event like this and I was buzzing to see him.
“It’s funny being on the other side of it now. It’s good to try and help younger players to achieve their dream and if there’s any way we can help, than that’s great.
“The questions were pretty difficult but it was nice to get to know some of the kids and give them advice. I’ve never really done these events before so it’s important for myself as a professional to learn and get better at public speaking.”
The Foundation’s Senior Development Football Officer, Michael Ward, was just as positive about the impact Page and Makasi’s attendance could have on shaping the footballer’s of tomorrow.
He explained: “It was really good, the players were really engaging. They really got involved and gave them so good advice. Of course we hope they take it on board and improve.
“It was definitely one of the better ones we’ve done. There was a wide range of questions, about their careers, how to become a footballer so hopefully our players will improve from this.
“Events like these are so important, especially with the move to the new stadium it’s important we reach as many existing fans but also potential new ones as possible. We run soccer schools all year round which is all part of our community outreach.
“This year, the Foundation and the Academy have done some great work together and we hope that continues. It’s all about inspiring the next generation and hopefully we’ve done that today.”
He explained: “It was really good, the players were really engaging. They really got involved and gave them so good advice. Of course we hope they take it on board and improve.
“It was definitely one of the better ones we’ve done. There was a wide range of questions, about their careers, how to become a footballer so hopefully our players will improve from this.
“Events like these are so important, especially with the move to the new stadium it’s important we reach as many existing fans but also potential new ones as possible. We run soccer schools all year round which is all part of our community outreach.
“This year, the Foundation and the Academy have done some great work together and we hope that continues. It’s all about inspiring the next generation and hopefully we’ve done that today.”