Leeds United favourite Brian Deane unveils primary school mural that is 'rallying cry' for grassroots sport
The primary school children did a ‘great job’ in putting the piece together
A wonderful new mural created by primary school children to celebrate grassroots sport has been unveiled by a Leeds United favourite.
Former Elland Road striker and Leeds local Brian Deane cut the ribbon for the unveiling of a mural created by students at Alder Tree Primary School on Potternewton Mount yesterday (Friday).
The children had created the piece with support from local artist Adam Duffield and backing from Action For Sport, a Yorkshire-based charity that drives to provide sport among deprived communities.
Mr Deane said: “If we don’t sponsor grassroots sport we lose the essence of what community’s all about.
“I grew up down the road from here and for me sport was everything. It was a way of connecting the community, of having fun with your friends, and it introduces different cultures to one another.”
The mural features a group of children and a white tiger playing sport and the words ‘Believe. Belong. Become.’
Mr Duffield said that the children in the class that he worked with took charge of the painting, saying: “They’ve done a great job.”
A spokesperson for Action For Sport said that the artwork serves as a “rallying cry” as the price to engage young people in sport becomes more and more costly.
A spokesperson said: “At a time when an official England shirt costs £135, Action for Sport’s mission has never been more urgent.
“The charity provides boots, trainers, and kit to children who would otherwise be excluded from sport due to the cost-of-living crisis.”
Action For Sport has provided over £500,000 worth of sports equipment to schools across the area. For more information visit their website.