Mansfield Town

Young striker Dan Fletcher recently visited his former school, Quarrydale Academy, where he spoke to pupils at an assembly about his journey to becoming a professional footballer.

The 18-year-old spoke to a packed assembly of over 200 students, including members of the school's football teams. 

Fletcher, who will be entering the second season of his professional contract with the Stags, left Quarrydale in 2013 after being educated there for five years to pursue his football career and now accesses further studies through Mansfield Town’s education program, in conjunction with his playing and training commitments.      

Having made his first team debut off the subs' bench earlier this season in our FA Cup tie against Cambridge United, Fletcher spoke to students about the importance of leading healthy lifestyles and the requirement for a strong work ethic in order to achieve their goals. 

Quarrydale School, who are also corporate partners of Mansfield Town, were pleased to welcome Fletcher back to the school for the day and have him displayed as a key role model.   

Fletcher’s Headteacher during his time at Quarrydale, Mr Jon Crone, highlighted how important it is for prominent people in the community, such as Fletcher, to set a positive example for his students: “The fact that Dan is 'one of our own' and playing for the local side [Mansfield Town] gives students something to aim for," he said.

“He has given a fantastic message of working hard with everything that you do, whether that be as a footballer or anything else. 

“I was really pleased that he was willing to speak to over 200 students in a room and that he was happy to voice the fact that the students need to look after their bodies, work hard in their lessons and hopefully they will reach their goals, as he has.

Mr Crone also expressed great pride in his former pupil’s rise up the ranks: “As a school, if you get a student who has been successful in getting a professional contract [at a football clib], you are immensely proud of them. 

“I know the Physical Education staff worked incredibly hard with Dan during his time here, but more importantly I know Dan worked incredibly hard when he was here.

“It really is a good news story for everyone,” he continued. 

Fletcher was thankful for the opportunity to visit his former school: “It was pretty emotional because I got to see a lot of my old teachers who had taught me for the whole time I was at Quarrydale."

The forward also took the chance to reminisce about his time at Quarrydale where he grew and developed as a player before signing at One Call Stadium: “My best memories [of going back] were of all the sport I did. I enjoyed being involved in the sports days and playing for the school football and rugby teams. 

“I obviously also liked the lessons and teachers that I met as well,” he added.