Academy Stars Support Charity Match

Mr Vaz’s team consisted of X Factor winner and Foxes fan Sam Bailey, Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole, Assistant Chief Constable Phil Kay, Silver Star Diabetes mascot Dorothy the Duck and Hamilton Community College Headmaster John Morris. 

Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor of Leicester John Thomas’ side included Deputy City Mayor Councillor Rory Palmer and Councillors Patrick Kitterick, Adam Clarke, Deepak Bajaj and Wayne Naylor. 

2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey thoroughly enjoyed the event, and said: “It’s been great to be here. Some of the kids were really star-struck when they saw me, which is quite weird because it’s my hometown. 

“It was really nice to play football, and Keith Vaz was hilarious! There was a little bit of cheating going on, but it wasn’t our team, obviously! 

“It was a good game and it was good to see Hamilton College’s pupils here. I’ve done about 300 selfies with them all! 

“All the Academy lads were great. Keith just told them to get out there and score. I don’t think he cared how they did it! They’re all good lads, so it’ll be exciting to see who goes up into the first team.” 

Academy Coach Matt Goodwin echoed Sam’s comments, and said: “The lads have come out into the local community and the school children are all asking them for autographs and pictures. It’s fantastic for them at such a young age to get that experience. 

“It’s a fantastic cause for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and his chosen charities. I think the lads have really enjoyed being a part of that. 

“The lads don’t get the chance to go out into the community as they could do, so they’ve enjoyed coming down to Hamilton College to play at their facilities.”