Latics defender Chey Dunkley joins in virtual diversity session with school pupils

The lesson, provided by staff from Wigan Athletic Community Trust, looked at diversity and how it can be celebrated in sports teams.

Chey took part in a Q&A with ten pupils from the school who asked him a number of questions on the topic.

He said: “It’s massively important to have lessons like this and I was more than comfortable speaking to the kids about it, it was a good session to be involved in.

“I think it should be pushed more than it is today. When I was at school it wasn’t pushed as much and the more we can learn about diversity and different cultures, it can help us come together as a human race rather than separate different races.

“The more we learn about each other’s cultures will allow us to understand and be able to live amongst each other easily and it will be better for the future if children learn more about diversity and culture, especially at a young age.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Trust have worked closely with local schools providing virtual Premier League Primary Stars lessons to pupils.

Lessons have included covering PSHE topics such as resilience, self-esteem, plastic pollution and teamwork and St Andrew’s PE coordinator Philip Sharkey explains the benefits the lessons have had on pupils.

“The staff at Wigan Athletic Community Trust have provided us with constant support and the lessons are a real benefit to the children during these difficult times.

“The session with Chey was fantastic and we really want to thank him for his time, patience and willingness to share his valuable experiences with the children.

“The whole lesson on diversity was brilliant and really thought provoking and we have had some wonderful dialogue about diversity with the children.”

Following the end of the lesson, pupils produced their own adverts promoting diversity around the school.

David, who is a pupil at St Andrew’s and took part in the lesson, said: “In the lesson I learned to believe in myself and to not be afraid to do anything because of your skin colour, religion or beliefs."

Kyle, another pupil, added: “We're not all the same, we all have our own personalities which helps your team because different people have different strategies. That's better for the team."

For further information on taking part in virtual lessons with staff from the Community Trust or on the Premier League Primary Stars programme, please contact School Services Manager Gareth Nolan on [email protected].