City stars Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph turn teachers in Hopwood Hall sports students' class

Manchester City F.C players Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph took on the role of teachers, as they held one of Hopwood Hall students’ sports classes at their world class training facilities

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Manchester City players Gael Clichy and Fabian Delph took on the role of teachers as they held one of Hopwood Hall students’ sports classes at their world class training facilities.

After students had taken part in practical skills workshops on City’s indoor AstroTurf, the pair held a question and answer session about nutrition and personal fitness as part of their work with 'City in the Community'.

Students quizzed the players on topics involving the player's diets, training regimes, nutritional intakes and what advice they had for someone looking to work in a sporting industry.

Conor Jones, a student on the Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Football course, was particularly amazed by Gael Clichy’s diet. He said: “Clichy said he hadn’t had any fast food in over seven years. It’s the real life details like that which make me realise how long athletes have to maintain such a high standard of fitness.”

Each player then refereed competitive matches between the 86 students attending, where students took the opportunity to try and show off their skills in front of the two international players.

“This has been so humbling,” commented student Darnell Ramsay.

“To get to meet two players of international ability is something I know many people dream of. Being able to listen to their advice and experience is beyond a dream.

"This experience is something I will definitely carry with me; the help it gives me in my pursuit of a career in this industry is so valuable.”

The event comes as part of a partnership between Hopwood Hall College and City in the Community. Their primary aim is to offer students in local areas access to facilities and education they never have previously.

Lee Mannion, Community Football Coordinator at City in the Community, commented on the day: “The players have come along to celebrate City in the Community’s 30 years in the local area. This course is a great example of how we are supporting local people.

"The chance for the students to take part in both a practical and a classroom session over at the City’s training campus is an unbelievable opportunity for our young learners, that will hopefully inspire them for the future.

"The highlight of the day for me was being able to provide the students with the chance to do a question and asnwer session with Delph and Clichy.”