Edwinstowe’s St Mary’s C of E Primary School children meet author and former Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers football player Luke Staton

A former professional footballer turned children’s author has visited school pupils, hoping to inspire them to follow their dreams.

St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Edwinstowe welcomed special visitor Luke Staton into their school to work with the children.

Luke represented England as a youth international, winning 18 caps, and at 17 was signed by Kenny Dalglish to play for Blackburn Rovers before moving on to Bolton Wanderers. He also played for Gainsborough Trinity and Worksop Town.

During his visit, Luke talked to children about his football career and that his own footballing dreams were inspired by his primary headteacher when he was given the opportunity to visit Wembley stadium as a youngster, little knowing he would later go on to have a professional football career — playing for England at the same stadium.

During his talk, Luke discussed his children’s book, Credo, which reflects on his own journey, and encourages children to follow their dreams. Luke said he always hopes to inspire the young people he meets.

“I had the wonderful opportunity to visit an absolutely remarkable school of wonderful young people and teachers too,” Luke said.

“It’s a real privilege to get the opportunity to travel the world and share stories of hope, optimism and inspiration, and to open the hearts and minds of young people to pursue and follow their dreams, whatever their dreams may be.

“Thank you to all the young people that truly inspire me, in every room I walk into, I will continue this mission for the rest of my time!”

Headteacher Jennifer Bailey said: “Luke’s story fits perfectly with our school vision of ‘together we love, learn and flourish’.

“We want all of our children to flourish and be the best they can be, and Luke’s story of following his dreams is truly an inspiration that children were thrilled to learn about.”