City legend impressed by girl students in training exercise

Held in the Learning Zone at the KC Stadium, more than 20 members took part in a tactical exercise where they were challenged to create a team from a pool of players each with different strengths and weaknesses, and then explain the consideration behind their decision.

Barmby assessed the results and commenting on the skill and tactical thinking of the students said: “I am really impressed with the way these young people approached the task, each group made very different decisions but there was real thought and consideration into them.

“It is always a pleasure to meet young players and hear about their experiences of the game. The Girls’ Centre of Excellence at Hull College is a great establishment and there is some wonderful talent here.”

The girls were then able to enjoy a brief question and answer session with Barmby, one of the most successful players the city has produced, and grilled him on all aspects of the game including nutrition, the positive and negative sides of his profession – and if he ever thought girls could beat boys at the beautiful game, a question that required all of Barmby’s experience to answer carefully.

Abbie Townsend, 11, said she had really enjoyed the session. “It was great to meet Nick Barmby, he was really nice and told us all about being a professional footballer and how it is important to train and to eat the right things.”