Maya Le Tissier, Lisa Naalsund and Ella Toone surprised pupils from Manchester United Foundation partner school Manchester Enterprise Academy Central with a recent visit to their school.

The trio took time out to spend an afternoon with one of the girls football teams, before retreating to the classroom to share the benefits of reading and writing, by reading a short football-themed story – followed by a themed quiz to test their knowledge.

Both groups of young people had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A session with the players, too, with topics about their careers and other experiences on the agenda.

Reds captain Le Tissier said: “To come to a school like this and see all the girls is so nice. We joined the reading group first and we’ve then come out to see the girls football team as well. It’s been a really good group and we’re very happy to come here.

“I never had a female player to look up to when I was back home playing. When we come out to these schools, we can really see the difference we can make, and hopefully just be an inspiration for the girls to keep on playing if they’re enjoying it.”

Toone added: “It’s always nice to come out and see young girls playing football, starting out in their journeys and offering a little bit of advice.

“We’ve been in the library with them as well, and for me, I feel that when I’m reading, I can switch off. Reading is important, it’s something I did throughout school and really enjoyed it. Hopefully we can get more children in schools reading books.

“We feel the enjoyment from these visits too – it’s nice for us to use our platforms as best we can to make sure girls make a good start in their journeys.”

Manchester Enterprise Academy Central is one of more than 70 schools partnered with the Foundation, supporting young people by utilising the power and appeal of Manchester United through specialist interventions in school, as well as offering unique enrichment and opportunities in sport.

Phallon, 14, one of the girls playing on the football team, said: “It’s been exciting, I’ve been playing football since I was six.

“I asked about advice for becoming a professional and they said it’s all about confidence, so I’m going to try to have more belief in myself and be more confident playing.”