Derby County’s Academy players recently spent a day learning to cook at Wilsthorpe Community School’s ‘Enterprise Centre’ catering kitchen.
The visit was part of the club’s campaign to ensure its young players are properly ‘grounded’.
Head of Education and Welfare Simon Ord said, “Not all these lads will make it in the profession and it’s our duty to ensure they are prepared for life in the real world. This has been a great opportunity for them and they’ve had lots of fun too.”
The 16 apprentices included first team regular Mason Bennett and Josh Lelan and Jamie Hanson who have also been on the bench this season.
Jill Pyne, the school’s Leader for Design Technology led the session assisted by three sixth form catering students, Hannah Cross (17), Hannah Bricknell (17) and Zoe Frost (16).
Student Hannah Cross said, “I was really nervous at first but once I got into it, it was a really enjoyable experience and definitely something I would do again.”
Hannah Bricknell added, “I really enjoyed teaching them how to cook, even though it took them out of their comfort zone.”
The Rams youngsters learned how to cook spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and lemon cheesecake, which they served at the end of the day to members of the Academy staff.
