Ben Whiteman joined the PNECET Wildcats Zoom call last week to answer girls’ questions about his journey in football so far!
Wildcats is a girls football programme for those of a primary school age which is currently operating online due to current restrictions.
During the online meetings – from 4.30pm until 5.30pm via Zoom – the aspiring young players have been discussing football among themselves, looking at the playing styles of different positions on the pitch, and completing challenges from home being set for them by the PNECET coaches.
They have most recently looked at the central midfield position, looking at the roles and responsibilities required from a player in that mould.
The Wildcats were asked to spend some time away watching Whiteman to analyse his game, and were given access to iFollow PNE to watch a recent North End game, but little did they know that the midfielder would be joining them in their latest Zoom call!
The Wildcats were then given the opportunity to ask Whiteman a whole host of questions – both to ask him about his qualities as a midfielder, while posing questions on a wide variety of other subjects away from the game!
Secondary Education Tutor Darryl McNicholl, who also supports the PNECET Wildcats provision, said: “It was a fantastic surprise for our PNECET Wildcats to be joined by Ben Whiteman in their latest Zoom session.
“The girls really enjoyed speaking with Ben and asking him lots of questions about his time in football, how his career has now progressed to playing for Preston North End, and plenty of other topics away from the game.
“Ben put the girls at ease straightaway so that they felt comfortable asking their questions and seeking his advice, which I’m sure will prove invaluable for their future development as players.
“We’re thankful to Ben for joining the session and providing an experience that the PNECET Wildcats will never forget!”
The Wildcats programme is open to all girls of a primary school age with Zoom sessions taking place once a week from 4.30pm until 5.30pm every Wednesday.
For more information about getting involved, please contact hannah.white@pne.com.