FORMER premier league football star Graeme Le Saux has visited Brockenhurst College to talk to sports academy students about opportunities for careers in the sports sector.

The footballing legend gave an insight into what life is like as a professional footballer, drawing on his experiences of playing for Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton, winning 36 caps for England and playing for his country in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

During his trip he reinforced the importance of focusing on academic study alongside sporting development, and highlighted that the skills learnt in the classroom can be just as crucial a part of being a good footballer as natural skill.

He said: “Coaches and managers always look for people who try their best and listen to instructions. These are key skills acquired in the classroom as well as on the pitch. Working hard and following what your teacher or coach says is just as important as natural talent.”

Graeme’s association with Brock began in December when he was part of a delegation, along with principal Di Roberts, accompanying the Prime Minister on a trade mission to China.

Head of the Football Academy Graham Mills said: “We are thrilled to be visited by such a respected sportsman as Graeme Le Saux.

“His amazing career has been a real inspiration to the students he has worked with today. He has reinforced the importance of gaining a good academic education alongside schemes such as Brock’s Sports Academy, which nurture outstanding sporting talent to develop stars of the future.”