Everton striker encourages teamwork in local school

Striker for Everton Football Club, Beto, has spoken about the warm welcome he received from Evertonians as he took part in his first fan engagement since arriving at Merseyside.

Beto recently visited Much Woolton Catholic Primary School, one of the club’s official ‘School Supports’ Clubs’, to take part in activities highlighting the importance of teamwork.

The schoolchildren, who were all Everton locals aged seven to 11, then enjoyed the chance to quiz Beto in a Q&A session before receiving an Everton gift bag from the Portuguese striker.

Many of the youngsters took the opportunity to get their gifts signed and take photos as a keepsake from the special day.

Speaking after the visit, Beto said: “I enjoyed it a lot. Since I joined the club, everybody’s treated me well and looked after me in the best way possible.

“This was my first time in my career that I’ve visited children at a school and they were all very welcoming. To be able to meet so many young Everton fans and take the time to play games with them was a privilege.”

Clare Wilson, assistant headteacher at Much Woolton Catholic Primary School, added: “When Beto arrived he was greeted by a hall full of very surprised children!

“Teamwork is one of our school values so it was great to get an insight on the topic and how it works at Everton. The children quickly included Beto in their games to make him feel at home on what was a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Everton’s School Supporters’ Club programme launched in 2016 and provides young Evertonians with the chance to meet up with fellow Blues and enjoy Everton-themed activities at their school.  

Participating schools have access to a range of exclusive benefits and run their club as they wish, with each school setting up the club in different ways from lunch clubs to classroom sessions and even school football teams.