Jason Hoffman, Libby Sharp and Kirstyn Pearce went back to school with Qantas Socceroos legend Graham Jennings.
Jason Hoffman is fast learning a new trade at right-back and yesterday afternoon the athletic 20-year-old joined with Libby Sharp and Kirstyn Pearce from the Jets- Westfield W-League side, and former Qantas Socceroos wing-back Graham Jennings, and went back to school at St. James Primary.
Jennings, now a teacher himself, has been capped 44 times in the senior national team and was inducted into the FFA Football Hall of Fame with an Award of Distinction for his services, predominately at left-back, for Australia.
Indeed, Hoffman and Jennings share a number of similarities in their careers in that they both hail from Newcastle and have speed to burn as players.
It was the advice that Jennings, Hoffman, Sharp and Pearce had to offer the youngster-s in years 5 & 6 that was of greatest value yesterday though, with the athletes giving the kids a taste of what it takes to become a professional footballer. The quartet answered questions and spoke about the sacrifices and rewards involved in the ever-expanding world of the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League.
It was Hoffman-s second school visit within a week, with the entire Jets squad being split up across seven primary schools in the Hunter Valley last Tuesday to promote the sport and give children a chance to rub shoulders with their heroes.
Players regularly visit schools, hospitals, junior football clubs and local organisations. To request the Jets to attend your event, simply download and complete this form. For further enquiries, contact Andrew Licata on (02) 4962 2755 or email andrew@newcastlejets.com.au.
N.B. All requests for player appearances are subject to the availability of the team, given their training and playing commitments.
The Jets- Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League sides will join forces this Sunday, 22 November with both playing home games at EnergyAustralia Stadium. Gates open at 2pm and tickets for this double header are available through www.proticket.com.au or by calling (02) 4915 2345.
