Footballer wows pupils at Matua School

Xavier Maddox, 10, (left), and Miako Brinkmann (right), 10, were more than happy to take care of footballer Jesse Edge, who visited Matua School yesterday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Pupils from Matua School "oohed" and "ahhed" when professional football player and local boy Jesse Edge showed off his ball skills at their school yesterday.

Dolores Edge, a tutor at the local school, arranged for her grandson to pop in and speak to a group of excited Year 5 and 6 pupils.

The Papamoa lad is set to represent New Zealand at the Fifa Under-20 Football World Cup which kicks off at the end of this month, with New Zealand taking on Ukraine in their first match.

The 20-year-old has joined the New Zealand camp fresh out of Italy where he plays for Serie B football club Vicenza Calcio.

Mrs Edge looked on with pride as students sang school songs of courage and "rising to the challenge", for their special guest.

This was followed with many raised hands and questions.

Edge spoke about how his grandfather encouraged him from a young age.

He also spoke of how his uncle, Declan Edge, a former All White, also had a major influence on his football upbringing.

"Ever since I can remember, I've been playing the sport. My family is a large football family so I didn't really have a choice," laughed Edge.

Following the questions and answers session some students grabbed balls and enjoyed a kick-around and ball skill session with Edge in the school hall.

Xavier Maddox and Miako Brinkmann, both aged 10 and keen soccer players, said it was an inspiration to have an experienced player at their school.

"That's what you want to be when you're older," said Xavier.

"It's really cool having someone who's at the high-end (of the game) come in and talk to us."

Miako said he was excited to kick the ball around and learn tips and tricks from Edge.