Andy Drozdziak
Former Premier League football star Jermaine Jenas shared an inspirational message with London Catholic students who want to be famous footballers like Jude Bellingham or Mary Earps.
Jermaine Jenas, the former Tottenham, Newcastle and England star who is now better known for his punditry and presenting The One Show, spoke about his experiences of professional football at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic school in Middlesex.
Head of PE Simon Greenhalgh told the Universe that Jenas’ words were ‘extremely motivational.’
“Jermaine spoke very well about his experiences of professional football,” Mr Greenhalgh said.
“The pathway that he took to become professional, and the hard work, dedication and resilience he needed to make it. His message was extremely motivational and all students left feeling motivated and inspired to continue working hard to achieve their dream.”
Jermaine Jenas was visiting on behalf of Zen Educate, an ethical recruitment agency for education staff, for whom he is brand ambassador. Schools are able to make use of Zen Educate to recruit, whilst teachers can use it to find temporary and part-time roles which fit in with their lives.
He was specifically addressing students who represent Cardinal Wiseman in their competitive football teams. After his talk, he led a Q & A session with 90 students across the school’s boys and girls football teams.
Mr Greenhalgh said: “Jermaine spoke clearly about the importance of listening; to teachers, coaches, family who have your best interests at heart. People who want to see you be the best you can be, and how to use external feedback to improve yourself physically and mentally.”
Jermaine Jenas is one of the founders of Aquinas Education, a registered Social Enterprise that seeks to improve recruitment and supply outcomes for educators and schools. Aquinas Education, which is named after St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of education, has exclusive partnerships with a number of Catholic dioceses across the UK to recruit for all teaching and non-teaching jobs.