Mathys Tel has shared with local youngsters the importance of tackling discrimination at a Tottenham Hotspur Foundation education session today.
Our French attacker visited Lea Valley Primary School, nearby Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where this month, the UK’s Black History Month, the Foundation has hosted a ‘Greatness Comes from Everywhere’ poetry competition celebrating diversity.
Making his visit ahead of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign, Mathys awarded the winning poet after taking part in an inspirational message workshop, whilst speaking candidly about his own recent experience of racism in a Q&A session.
He said: “As a person and a player, it’s difficult to read these type of comments, but it doesn't matter what people say about you, if they talk negatively about you, it’s important to always believe in yourself and create something positive out of it.”
Mathys also surprised the children by gifting all of them Spurs shirts.
“For me, it’s all about sharing. If you can share something positive with children, they’ll remember it and always appreciate it. If I’m able to give something back, I’ll do it, like here today. To see the youngsters wearing my shirts made me so happy.”
Amiira, nine, who won the poetry competition, said: “It’s always really fun when we have Spurs in the school and it was so exciting to meet Mathys - he was really nice. I wrote my poem to help racism end and so that everyone will be treated fairly, like they’d want to be treated by others.”
The Foundation session was run as part of its delivery of the Premier League Primary Stars programme that has engaged 7,000 children across almost 100 schools over the last four years. Funded through the Premier League Charitable Fund, it uses the appeal of football to develop essential life skills.
Andrew Wands, Foundation education manager, said: “It’s so important young people feel seen, heard and empowered to stand up against discrimination. Through sessions like this, we’re not just teaching about diversity, we’re helping to build a more inclusive future. Having Mathys share his personal story really brought that message home.”
Maria Kokotsis, Lea Valley headteacher, said: “Having Mathys visit our school was an unforgettable experience for the children. His honesty, kindness and message of unity really resonated with them. Initiatives like this show our pupils their voices matter and that standing up against racism is something we all have a role in.”
We are showing our support for the No Room For Racism campaign ahead of this Sunday’s match with Aston Villa, to highlight the importance of diversity and remind fans that discrimination has no place at Spurs, in our game or society.