Children at Charleton, West Alvington and All Saints’ Thurlestone C of E Academy, which are part of the Learning Academy Partnership, have enjoyed a visit from World Record Holder football freestyler, Dan Magness.
The pupils were impressed by Dan’s phenomenal football tricks, which were on full display in a gravity defying performance which the children greatly enjoyed. Dan then invited the enthusiastic pupils to practice the tricks alongside him, teaching them to master tricky skills such as balancing a football on their heads and jumping in the air whilst holding on to a football with their feet.
Dan holds numerous Guinness World Records and in 2009, became the first person in the world to keep a ball in the air for 24 hours without dropping it. The following year, he went on to extend this impressive record by two whole hours, further raising the bar for other freestylers worldwide. Also in 2010, Dan embarked on a gruelling 36-mile walk across London, keeping a football up the whole time, to raise money for UNICEF.
The children certainly had a memorable day and enjoyed practicing their football tricks in the presence of such an inspiring role model.
Katie Coombe, Head Teacher at West Alvington C of E Academy and Charleton C of E Academy, said: “It was wonderful to see the pupils being so excited to showcase their talents and learn new tricks. It was great to see them engage with Dan and learn more about all his outstanding achievements.”
“The children were truly inspired by his skills and his message that everyone can be exceptional at something they love, you just need to put in lots of practise and enthusiasm.”
