Thatcham pupils show off new kit in Stuttgart

SPORTS-minded pupils from Kennet School have pitted their football and hockey skills against counterparts in Germany, with a little help from Bayer.The 50 pupils, all 14 or 15-year-olds, from years nine and 10, took part in an eight-day sports tour to...

SPORTS-minded pupils from Kennet School have pitted their football and hockey skills against counterparts in Germany, with a little help from Bayer.

The 50 pupils, all 14 or 15-year-olds, from years nine and 10, took part in an eight-day sports tour to Stuttgart recently.

The girls trained with members of Stuttgart’s hockey club, while the boys trained with the football club, all receiving formal coaching from qualified coaches.

Their week saw them add to their skills and tactical awareness, play two matches at the end of the week against a German team and enjoy some cultural activities to learn more about the country.

Five teachers from Kennet School accompanied the pupils on the trip , including trip organiser, PE teacher Chris Adams, who said: “We do have some talented young footballers and hockey players at the school, so this was a huge opportunity for them to improve their sporting skills and experience culture in another country.

“It’s a very exciting trip – it’s the second one we’ve done, following the success of our tour to Holland in 2013 – and we’re absolutely delighted that a local company like Bayer was able to step in and help with our kit, which will make the pupils feel like real professionals.”

Their trip has been supported by Bayer, which has provided the sponsored kit, including football and hockey shirts, shorts and skirts.

Bayer’s UK/Ireland head of corporate affairs and brand, for UK and Ireland, Joe Brice, said: “With Bayer’s focus on healthcare, we have developed a passion for sport because it leads to healthier lifestyles.

“Add to that our German connection, the fact that our company owns its own football team, and that some of our high-tech materials go into making sports equipment, such as footballs, sports shoes and clothing, means that it underlines perfectly our company mission of Science For A Better Life.

“Hopefully this will also havehelped to inspire the pupils as they progressed through their week.”