Foxes Stars Surprise Academy Players In Seagrave
- Leicester City’s first team squad visited the Club’s Academy this week
- The players got involved in ball games with the younger age groups
- Jamie Vardy and James Maddison were among the stars taking part
- The event was held inside the King Power Centre at LCFC Training Ground
The senior players and staff completed their own training session in Seagrave before heading across to the dome inside the King Power Centre to surprise the next generation of potential future stars.
Linking up with a mix of Academy age groups, the likes of Patson Daka, Kelechi Iheanacho, Jamie Vardy and James Maddison were all in attendance, as well as Danny Ward, Timothy Castagne and Dennis Praet.
First Team coaches Craig Shakespeare and John Terry also got involved in ball games including dodgeball and 7-a-side matches, alongside two of the current crop of homegrown talents to make their way into Leicester’s first team - Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Luke Thomas.
The full-back took time out from a busy schedule to speak to LCFC TV at the event: “It’s pure excitement for them and you can see it on their faces, they are so excited to see you. We’re their idols and they just love playing football.
“They like to show off their skills, which you can see. A lot of them have really good feet and can move the ball really well. I’m sure that’s what they love doing. It’s good to see them so happy and enjoying themselves today.”
After sharing some fun on the pitch, Academy graduate Thomas also reminisced about his own journey through the ranks at LCFC to become a first team player and England Under-21 international.
He added: “Coming through the Academy, it’s a great feeling when you get there. You work so hard at a young age to get where you are now.”
At the Club’s state-of-the-art base, players were on hand to offer expert advice to the youngsters, who were able to meet and have photographs taken with their heroes.
Leicester City’s Pre-Academy Coordinator, Mark Lyons, spoke about the impact a day like this will have on the young hopefuls in terms of football development but also in their connection to the Foxes.
“Today’s really just about getting the younger players from the Academy in and giving them a passion and love for the Club,” he commented. “It’s giving them a once in a lifetime experience that they’ll never forget and hopefully they’ll develop a bond with the Club.
“A lot of them are local lads who support Leicester. For them to turn round and see the players that they want to emulate and get the chance to play with them, pass to them, assist them and come up against them, it’s unbelievable.
“Obviously the Academy journey is not always successful, so if we can give them positive experiences along the way, they’ll enjoy their time with us. The biggest thing for us is them wanting to come back to every training session with a smile on their face and a real energy to train.”
Academy Meets First Team For Easter Event
Go behind the scenes of a day to remember for Leicester City's young Academy players, who were surprised by some very special guests in their session in Seagrave.
Academy Coach Lamine Kaba Sherif described the moment that the players sprung the surprise, providing a real feel-good factor among the youngsters. He hopes the treat will motivate them to go on and fulfil their potential.
“They were all sat down and then the first team players turned up and it’s just an amazing feeling for the kids,” Sherif said. “Today has made them the happiest kids in the world. They’ll go home and think about this moment all week, all month.
“To be on the same field as your heroes, they can see a future, they can have a dream – ‘that player, I want to be like him’. That day you meet them and play with them, it’s amazing.”