Bukayo Saka Returns to His Greenford Primary School

There to celebrate the importance of role models including teachers

Bukayo signs autographs for the children ant Edward Betham

October 30, 2025

England and Arsenal footballer Bukayo Saka made a surprise visit to his former primary school, Edward Betham in Greenford. He was there this Wednesday (29 October) to celebrate the importance of role models and reconnect with the teachers who helped shape his early development. The visit marked another return to the school, following a previous appearance in 2023 and he also paid a visit to Greenford High School, which he also attended, this August.

During this week’s visit, Bukayo reunited with his former headteacher Caroline Chamberlain and PE coach Leigh Curtin, both of whom played pivotal roles in his formative years. He spoke with pupils about the mentors who supported him on and off the pitch, and took part in a lively Q&A session where children asked about his journey, his inspirations, and the life skills he continues to rely on—such as perseverance, teamwork, and communication.

“Coming back to Edward Betham to hear the students talking about their role models and how I might have inspired them has been a blessing for me,” Bukayo said. “I was lucky to have teachers and coaches who believed in me, not just in football but in life. Feeling supported to explore your interests and having good people to help you can make all the difference, and it’s why I believe that role models can be powerful in shaping you as a person. When young people have someone they can look up to, it shows them what’s possible, and that’s exactly what the Chase football coaching programme is supporting more people to do.”

Bukayo stands in front of his mural at his old school

His visit coincided with the release of new YouGov research commissioned by Chase, which found that four in five (79%) young people who look up to someone in sport admire a famous player or athlete, while one in four (25%) are inspired by their coach or PE teacher. The findings also revealed that 84% of young people see sport as a gateway to essential life skills.

The Chase football coaching programme aims to expand access to inspirational role models by offering fully funded coaching qualifications and bursaries to individuals from low-income backgrounds across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The initiative is designed to help more people become coaches who can guide and inspire the next generation.

Bukayo in the playground with children and staff from Edward Betham

Caroline Chamberlain, Headteacher at Edward Betham, said, “It’s such a joy to welcome Bukayo back to Edward Betham. He was always a hardworking, kind and determined pupil, and it’s wonderful for our pupils to see what he’s gone on to achieve. At our school, we focus on developing qualities like perseverance, teamwork and communication through all areas of school life, including sport. As a result, Bukayo is now a brilliant role model himself, who demonstrates how those skills can carry you far, whatever path you choose.”

Deborah Keay, Chief Marketing Officer at Chase, added, “When we launched the Chase football coaching programme, our aim was to create long lasting impact in communities across the U.K. By supporting more people in their journey to become coaches, we can help create more role models who inspire, guide and pass on transferable skills that will help young people succeed in the future. At Chase, we’re committed to continuing to build these opportunities so that individuals can thrive both on and off the pitch.”