Tottenham Hotspur FC launch MLC appeal

Tottenham Hotspur stars Steed Malbranque and Didier Zokora went back to school when they visited Haileybury on Tuesday. The French-speaking players visited Haileybury to launch a fundraising appeal aimed at helping to build a new Modern Languages Centre (MLC).

To promote the importance of modern languages in education, both players took part in French Question & Answer sessions with young linguists and also joined in a kick-around with the school’s 1st football XI.

Midfielder Malbranque, 27, said: "There are very bright students at Haileybury and I thought the French was excellent among pupils.

"This is why I was glad to help fundraise for a new Modern Languages Centre – there is now a very important place for French and other languages in education today."

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast international Zokora, 25, said: "I enjoyed the whole day and, as well as hearing young people speak such good French, it was great to play a bit of football!

"Haileybury is a very good school and I am pleased that Spurs get involved in projects such as this. I’m always keen to support education because it’s so important."

The fundraising appeal will enable pupils to purchase their own brick for the new building and have their name put on it.

At an estimated cost of £2.5m, the Modern Languages Centre will include nine classrooms, a library, a lecture theatre, and an interactive languages hub.

Tottenham Hotspur’s visit was part of the Club’s commitment to the Premier League initiative Creating Chances.

Haileybury’s Director of Development, Helen Tranter, said: "We were delighted that both Steed and Didier were able to officially launch our buy-a-brick appeal. Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and the players were exceptionally generous with their time and support."