Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly visits Rockmount Primary School for eco-focused day

Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly shared his passion for the environment and sustainable living with schoolchildren when he joined the Palace for Life Foundation for an eco-focused assembly and school tour with a difference.

The 29-year-old visited Rockmount Primary School in Crystal Palace and was shown around the edible playground, with pupils proudly showing off their vegetable garden and resident chickens.

Mr Kelly, who drives an electric car and has recently started growing his own fruit and vegetables at home, said: “It’s taken me right back to my childhood going back to school.

“I think it’s really important for the children to learn about these issues, they’re all so enthusiastic and it’s all credit to the teachers

The school, which was attended by former Palace player Jason Puncheon, is championing sustainable living through a range of initiatives, including taking part in Sky Ocean Rescue workshops and projects run by Palace for Life Foundation on plastic pollution.

Primary School Programmes Manager at Palace for Life Foundation, Sam Bacon, said: “We have a coach based full-time at Rockmount Primary School and we’re really proud of the innovative work they’re doing in this area.

“It’s clear to see Martin’s passion for the environment and it was inspiring for the children to hear about the changes he’s making in his own lifestyle.”

Mr Kelly continued: “You understand when you’re older the importance of the things you do from a young age. Learning more about this, seeing the chickens, growing the vegetables, it gives children a sense of independence as well as teaching them about the bigger things like climate change, because it is going to affect them when they’re older.”

While at the school, Mr Kelly helped launch a competition for pupils, encouraging them to finish their lunch and reduce food waste, as well as bringing less single use plastic in their lunchboxes. The winners will be treated to a tour of Selhurst Park and receive Crystal Palace prizes.

Children from the school’s eco-committee, made up of pupils from Years 5 and 6, ran the assembly and then gave Mr Kelly a guided tour, sharing their tips for keeping chickens and explaining the importance of home-grown produce.

Speaking afterwards, one of the pupils said: “It was awesome to have Martin Kelly here, I really hope he liked our vegetable garden and our chickens.”

Teacher at Rockmount Primary School, Daniel Ricketts, is responsible for the edible playground. He said: “We were all really pleased to have Martin here to help launch our competition and encourage our pupils to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

To find out more about our Premier League Primary Stars’ work, click here.

Top: Martin Kelly with some of the students