Teachers UK have surprised Mansfield schoolboy Liam-Jay Bonsall with a full mascot package for this Saturday's match against Cheltenham Town in recognition of his commitment to his school work.
Rob Butler, deputy head teacher at The Beech Academy where Liam-Jay received his award said it was a fantastic way to reward the efforts he has made at school this year.
“Liam- Jay is in class and engaging in his learning and has made more progress this year, especially in his maths lessons," Rob said.
"He will challenge visitors to his maths lessons to give him maths problems to solve now; showing how his confidence has grown in this subject. Most importantly, Liam now functions as an effective member of a team with his classmates and he has made new friends as a result. We are very proud of the progress he has made - as is he!
“He will really enjoy his visit to Mansfield Town Football Club. As a keen footballer, Liam-Jay is the first to arrive on the football pitch and the last to leave! His improved teamwork skills have meant that the quality of his game has improved and he is a regular member of the school football team."
Liam-Jay will get the chance to warm up with players and walk onto the pitch with the team at our first home league match of the season against Cheltenham.
Steve Truman of Teachers UK, an education recruitment specialist based at Mansfield’s I-Centre on Hamilton Way, said he thinks Liam-Jay will have a day to remember at the club.
“Teachers UK are passionate about supporting their schools and we think that even this relatively small gesture can mean a great deal to the hard working staff and pupils we work with.
"Rewarding youngsters for their hard work with the help of Mansfield Town Football Club is the best part of my job! I know Liam-Jay will have a fantastic day. The guys at Mansfield Town are amazing, they love what they do and know how to make it a special day for Liam-Jay and his family.”
Gary Shaw, Mansfield Town community manager delivered the prize with the help of the club’s mascot, Sammy the Stag, and said he is sure that Liam-Jay would gain a lot from the experience.
“After meeting Liam-Jay today and learning about the successful team they have at the academy I am sure he will have a lot of questions to ask on the day - and perhaps he’ll be giving out some advice too! I hope that the day will be a great experience for him and I am sure that the look behind the scenes of the club will broaden his horizons.”
