Story added: 23rd January 2020
There was a moment to remember for young Norwich City FC superfan Murray Mead at last month’s Premier League home match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Thanks to an initiative between the Community Sports Foundation (CSF), EA Sports and the Premier League, Murray was given the unique chance to be the ‘referee mascot’ for the game and join the two teams for the tunnel walk-out.
Coaches chose Murray specifically for the role, as a reward for his stellar attitude on our Premier League Primary Stars programme, which is run at his school Old Catton Junior by the Foundation.
Jake Mardell, CSF’s Premier League Primary Stars Development Officer, said:
“Murray had demonstrated Premier League’s ‘Be Fair’ value excellently throughout his time with us on the programme. He always made sure his fellow classmates were included, and put himself before others.”
He continued: “He particularly enjoyed the opportunities to referee and umpire in PE and demonstrated all the right social skills to adjudicate a game fairly and keep both teams happy.
“Murray’s Mum said to me that when her son learned the news that he’d be chosen, it was ‘no longer a countdown for Christmas, but a countdown to the match!’”
After the game, Murray said, “It was a great experience; my highlight was getting to shake Harry Kane’s hand during the line ups.”
Jake Mardell reflected: “It’s amazing when we are given the chance to reward deserving pupils with opportunities like this. Murray was an easy choice for this particular opportunity and the school and his family were so proud of him.”
“We would like to thank EA Sports for providing opportunities like this.”
To find out more about the Primary Stars programme, please click here.
"It’s amazing when we are given the chance to reward deserving pupils with opportunities like this. Murray was an easy choice for this particular opportunity and the school and his family were so proud of him."
Jake Mardell
Premier League Primary Stars Development Officer
26th November 2024
On Friday 22nd November, The Nest hosted the first round of the Utilita's Kids Cup, with local representative primary schools going toe-to-toe in a day of tournament action.
15th November 2024
Schools and children within the Norfolk region will have the opportunity to represent Norwich City and potentially play on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium thanks to the Utilita Kids and Girls Cup.
11th June 2024
Norwich City will be represented by Woodlands Primary School at this year's Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament, hosted at the Gtech stadium.
21st May 2024
On Friday 16th May, three local primary schools arrived at The Nest for a day of literacy-themed fun.
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