DERBY County fan Tyler Colebourne was ‘speechless’ when he received a video message from Rams boss Paul Warne congratulating him for his school achievements.
Sixteen-year-old Tyler, who has been attending The Kingsmead School for almost a year, was sent the message to encourage him to keep up his good work and enthusiasm.
The message was arranged by his teacher Marcus Marshall, a former professional footballer who played with Paul Warne, himself a trained teacher, at Rotherham United.
Tyler, who is a Derby County season ticket holder, said: “I knew my teacher used to play professional football, but I couldn’t believe he spoke to Paul about me – it’s absolutely sick.
“I was speechless when he showed me the video, I just couldn’t believe it. I love that Paul is wearing his woolly hat too – I can’t wait to show it to my mates. I go to all the home matches and it’s been great to see The Rams winning.
“I’ve got it on my phone and I’ve shown it to my family who were really impressed. I do love it here – it’s so much better than my previous school and the staff are kinder and really help me when I’m struggling.
“One of the things I’d like to do when I leave school is to be a football coach, so to get one of the best sending me a video is great.”
Tyler plays Sunday league footballer and is a goalkeeper for Stockbrook Colts U16 Bulldogs. He is studying for his GCSEs on Kingsmead School’s personalised programme and also taking construction at its Liversage Street site where he is learning bricklaying and carpentry.
In his spare time Tyler helps his Grandad who is a plasterer and, if he decides not to be a football coach, he says he might follow in his footsteps.
The school, which is being rebranded as the Respect Foundation, operates at several sites in the city and works with pupils who struggle to access education at mainstream schools.
Vicki Cutting who is an emotional support worker and the personalised programme lead said: “We have a weekly meeting where staff decide who has gone above and beyond each week and Tyler’s name is always put forward because he has such a good attitude.
“He is conscientious and hardworking, he’s trustworthy and reliable and always here on time, in fact he’s usually here before staff.
“The film from Paul Warne absolutely made his day and we are really proud that we could make that happen for him. He’s a huge football fan and it meant such a lot to him, we’re delighted that Tyler is flourishing in the right environment for him.”
ENDS//
This press release was issued by Penguin PR. For further information please contact Sarah Newton on 07974 502 764 or sarah@penguinpr.co.uk
