Ake visits Primary Stars community session

The Netherlands international, along with club ambassador and assistant first team coach Steve Fletcher, surprised a group of Year 5 students during their PE Premier League Primary Stars session, in association with Medhurst Communications.

The pair took part in a question and answer session, before getting involved in a series of small-sided games.

Funded by the Premier League, the club’s Community Sports Trust delivers the Primary Stars sessions in a number of schools across Bournemouth and Poole.

“It's really good to get out and see the school children,” Ake told afcb.co.uk. “As a group of players, engaging with our local community is something we really pride ourselves on.

“Hopefully it was a nice surprise for the kids. They were really welcoming to both myself and Fletch, and it was great to get involved in the Premier League Primary Stars project.”

Head of the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust Steve Cuss said: “Manorside Primary have been taking part in the Premier League Primary Stars project. We’ve been here teaching for last six weeks and today was a special treat for kids.

“The Premier League Primary Stars project is something we deliver across Bournemouth and Poole. We try to get out and deliver blocks of six-week PE programmes, working alongside the schools’ teachers.

This is the second season of Medhurst Communications' partnership with the Community Sports Trust and their Primary Stars programme.

Charlie Baynes, managing director at Medhurst Communications, added: “As a local IT supplier, we work with a lot of schools in the area.

“With Nathan and the club, it’s great to continue our partnership and growth. We’re delighted to be involved with this project and it’s great that Nathan has put his name to such a great cause.”

The club would like to thank Medhurst Communications for their support and partnership on this project.