Chelsea duo give kids a day to remember at Surrey school

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Chelsea players Nathan Ake and Lewis Baker were the guests of honour as the Chelsea Foundation helped to mark the opening of an extension to a Surrey School

Netherlands Under-21 international Ake and England Under-19 midfielder Baker were joined by academy coaches Andy Myers and Jody Morris at Barnsbury School in Woking.

The school currently uses the Foundation to deliver football coaching and after-school football clubs and were awarded £250,000 from Surrey County Council in September 2012 to build their new facilities.

Keith Harme, Surrey’s senior football development officer, said: “We enjoy a great relationship with Barnsbury School and were delighted to be part of their big day.”

Nathan Ake and Lewis Baker
Both Ake and Baker have been regulars for Chelsea’s Under-21 side.

The Chelsea players and staff, along with Foundation staff members, attended a school assembly before Ake and Baker posed for photos and took a look at the new facilities, which include new offices, a medical and parents area plus new cloakrooms.

“It’s fantastic that these young schoolchildren have had the opportunity to meet Nathan and Lewis,” said Chelsea Foundation development officer Tom Bird.

“Both of them have been brilliant with their time speaking to, and signing autographs for the children, and have been excellent role models. Hopefully the children will remember today for a long time.”

Jane Welch, extended-services leader for Barnsbury School, added: “The arrival of the players created a real buzz in the assembly hall amongst both the children and the staff.

“Mass hysteria almost ensued when Nathan and Lewis met the children on the playground and signed autographs.

“It was a great opportunity for the children to meet some of their heroes and be inspired by these talented individuals.”

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