Today, Year 6 enjoyed a special drama project day called ‘Black and Blue’ led by Peter Daniel from the City of Westminster Archives Office.
We learnt all about the life of Paul Canoville, the first black player at Chelsea Football Club who has overcome racism, poverty, homelessness, injury and drug addiction.
We started by revisiting our History and English learning from the Autumn term about England needing to be rebuilt after World War II and the contributions of the Windrush Generation. We learnt about Paul Canoville’s early life growing up in poverty in London with his mother who travelled to England by herself from Anguilla in the Caribbean at the age of only 17.
Inspired by Pele, who led the Brazilian team to victory in the World Cup in 1970, Paul Canoville was determined to become a professional footballer. He first played for Chelsea.
We then learnt about Paul Canoville’s experiences as a black football player at Chelsea in the 1980’s where he experienced terrible racist abuse from many people around him, including from other players and Chelsea fans.
His career as a professional footballer ended in 1986 when his knee was injured in a career ending tackle and he then, unfortunately, became addicted to cocaine. We learnt more about the negative effects of drugs and drug addiction on our lives, our health, our relationships and on society.
Eventually, Paul Canoville was able to overcome his addiction and now dedicates his life enriching the lives of children and young adults by improving equality and diversity outcomes for organisations across England through his charity ‘The Paul Canoville Foundation.’
Paul Canoville’s inspiring story is one of resilience and overcoming adversity. Despite everything that he experienced at the club, he has remained a fervent Chelsea fan and there is now a special area at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s football ground, which is dedicated to him.
Next week, Year 6 will have the amazing opportunity to meet this inspirational man. What would you like to ask Paul Canoville when you meet him, Year 6?
That looked like a fun day !!!