Jubilee Primary School, Tulse Hill and the Lambeth Academy school in Clapham were the beneficiaries in May and June of our Making London Safer Programme, as Paul Canoville, the first black footballer ever to play for Chelsea in the 1980s, paid them a visit.

Year 6 pupils at Jubilee and Year 10 students at Lambeth Academy listened intently as Paul covered a wide range of topics covering his career and upbringing in London, including the Windrush, top-flight football before the advent of the Premier League and life after professional football. In a candid presentation, he talked about racism, mental health and other life battles he’s had to overcome.

SMP has teamed up with the Paul Canoville Foundation and will be arranging further visits to Lambeth schools later this year. Paul will also be shadowing SMP coaches at training sessions and giving advice and talks to them.