Speakers4Schools
Winston welcomed David Dein a football entrepreneur and businessman to talk to students from across the school about his experiences and values.
David joined the Arsenal Board in 1983 and was made Vice-Chairman in the same year. He also rose to Vice-Chairman of the Football Association, and has served on numerous UEFA and FIFA Committees.
David was President of the Arsenal Ladies Team, which has consistently been the best in the land.
He was the man who had the foresight to bring Arsene Wenger to Arsenal in 1996. During David’s reign, the Club won:
The League x 5
The FA Cup x 5
The UEFA Cup Winners Cup x 1
The League Cup x 2
The Community Shield x 5
The FA Cup x 5
The UEFA Cup Winners Cup x 1
The League Cup x 2
The Community Shield x 5
A total of 18 trophies!
Additionally the Club now has the finest training facilities and the most magnificent stadium -The Emirates
David was one of the main architects in the creation of the Premier League in 1992 and has been at the forefront of many of the important changes in football including the introduction of Goal Line Technology.
Our students were able to benefit from the journey that David Dein has made through his life and the lessons he has learnt along the way. David talked about a teacher that had influenced him. This teacher taught him French and that at the time he had not realised how useful this would be when he signed Patrick Vieira, Emmanuel Petit, Nicolas Anelka, Thierry Henry & Robert Pires to the Arsenal Invincible team. David was able to converse with these players, making them feel welcome and part of the team.
Many of David's key messages replicate the messages given at school; 'be the best that you can be', participate and make the most of the opportunities offered. David made the following comments about our students:
'Thank you for your very kind email and it really was a pleasure for me to deliver my talk this morning at the school. The students were very well behaved, engaged and asked searching questions. They were a bright group and a great credit to the school.
Please pass on my thanks to Mr Wheale and of course Chris who was a very able assistant.'
Over 90% of our students attending David Dein's presentation agreed that:
- They felt more confident about their own skills & abilities
- If they work had they will be more successful
- They understand that overcoming failure is part of the journey of success
- Their future isn't limited
- They are motivated to try different things out
- There are more opportunities out there for them
- They can achieve more than they thought
The majority of the students felt that after listening to the presentation they will:
- Try harder at school
- Go to university
- Get some work experience
- Get some career advice
The overall impression was that their learning from David's talk will definitely help them for their futures. They will remember
his 'motto of the turtle' which is
'in life you must always stick your neck out'.
A huge thank you to David Dein for giving up his time for our students and also to
Mrs Walton and Mr Weale for organising the event.
Climate Change
It was great to see that two of our students were prepared to give up their time to join thousands of other protesting about climate change and demanding that governments around the world take action to protect our world.Their photo was found on the BBC website feed regarding the protests. Well done to Emily and Nina for trying to make a difference.
