The spectacle of a coaching session with a former Premier League footballer was almost too good to be true for this group of schoolchildren.
But Rob Kean, who organised Linvoy Primus’ visit for the Christian Aid project last month, insisted there was an important message to be had too.
Mr Kean, 35, of Woodford, said: “It was about getting young people to explore Christianity - it was a day for getting Linvoy to explore his story.
“It was amazing.”
Primus, who played for both Charlton and Portsmouth in his career, converted to Christianity during his playing days after his wife was invited to church.
Primus was invited by Mr Kean as part of the work the Christian Education Project does with several Wanstead and Woodford churches.
Primus, who runs his own charity called Faith and Football, visited Oakdale Juniors School in Oakdale Road, South Woodford, Woodbridge High School, St Barnabas Road, Woodford Green, and All Saints’ Church in Inmans Row, Woodford Green, during his visit.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here