Lemina visits Healthy Goals session with Foundation

2 min read

31st May 2023

He wasn’t brought to the session from France in a Ford Cortina by Jeff Shi, but Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina’s impact on Wolves Foundation was just as positive as that which he has delivered on the pitch when he visited a Healthy Goals session.

The January signing was the special guest at a ‘Stay and Play’ session for the project which promotes the healthy growth and positive emotional wellbeing of children aged under four and their families.

The Gabonese international player got into the spirit of the project and took part in the different challenges all based around physical activity.

“The Stay and Play session was based around sports day activities, the main one of which was an Egg and Spoon race,” says Jade Sutton, senior health officer with Wolves Foundation.

“There was also a little bit of football involved, and the children had been practicing their goal celebrations to show Mario when they scored.

“One of them also made him a ‘fake’ cup of tea which he pretended to drink and seemed to enjoy!

“He was really great and got right into the spirit of things, mucking in, not being afraid to be a little bit silly and making sure everyone was getting involved.

“All the children really enjoyed him visiting and it was great for the parents to meet him as well – we’ve already received some lovely feedback.”

Healthy Goals runs several different activities to ensure it caters for the different age groups covered by the initiative, which is funded by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association with additional support from the City of Wolverhampton Council.

That includes not just Stay and Play, which is also delivered at the Britannia Hotel, but also Baby Zumba and Fit Momma sessions.

“With children aged from birth to four years old you are actually looking at quite a wide range in terms of what they can do,” adds Jade.

“It’s nice that we are able to put on different types of activities for Healthy Goals, and that they are all so well attended.”

To find out more about Healthy Goals, visit the Wolves Foundation website, email jadesutton@wolves.co.uk.

"A football club is so important to the local community, especially when you’re a one-club city like we are, and the Foundation’s initiatives and activities are second to none."

Gary O'Neil | Wolves Head Coach

"Without Wolves Foundation I wouldn't be here today, that's for certain."

John Martin | Head 4 Health participant

"As a lifelong Wolves fan, to represent the Club and Foundation is something I'll cherish forever."

Daz James | Wolves Disability FC

"It is amazing to be out there meeting people and having some fun. It is really important for Wolves to have this connection with the fans and to see the happiness in their faces."

Toti Gomes | Wolves Defender

"Savannah absolutely loves the group. The staff are committed to making every single session fun and welcoming."

Natasha | Healthy Goals parent

"It’s special because it's my club and I’m so proud to be from Wolves as well. I can see the projects and all the work Wolves Foundation are doing and I know it makes such an impact, so to even be a little part of that and to help out where I can – it's so exciting."

Amber Sandhu | Broadcaster and Foundation Ambassador

"It’s huge for the school, I can’t speak highly enough of Wolves Foundation and the opportunities that they give us."

Mr Robinson | Woodsetton School

“I think all football clubs should be the beating heart of their communities and Wolves, through the Foundation, manages to do that."

Johnny Phillips | Sky Sports Presenter and Foundation Ambassador

"We get loads of different opportunities with a Premier League club. I feel really privileged to be a part of it."

Mustafa | Football & Education College Academy student

"Frank has Alzheimer’s Disease and when he was first diagnosed we felt lost and alone. Attending Molineux Memories is a lifeline for both of us; it is run by friendly, committed staff who ensure that everyone is included and enjoys themselves."

Frank and Alison | Molineux Memories

"To come here and be hands on with the kids is unreal. Working with Wolves and the Foundation is a blessing and I'm honoured. It feels surreal sometimes but it's the best feeling."

S-X | Music Producer and Foundation Ambassador

"It's good to give back what you got. Football and the Wolves Foundation help me, so I like to help the community."

Taye | Premier League Kicks

"Wolves has definitely helped my personal development, but now also helps me to develop people I work with. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities Wolves Foundation have given me."

Carl Ackasovs | Wolves Foundation