Rio Ferdinand - ex England and Manchester United defender - visited Angel Oak Academy today to see STEP football players in action. 

Having grown up in Peckham, Rio revisited the area to see how schools like ours are working hard to raise standards in education and find out more about STEP Academy Trust.  Visiting footballers from Peacehaven Heights, Westbridge and Turnham Academy played inter-school matches under the watchful eye of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation Team and one of our young players was even scouted as a result!

After touring the school, Rio answered pupils' questions about his career, values and the importance of working hard.  Staff and children alike came away feeling motivated and inspired by his focus on community and teamwork.

We'd like to thank all of the team from the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and Rio Ferdinand himself for providing this opportunity to the academicians of STEP Academy Trust.

Read more about his visit at: Work Hard, Be Kind — Rio Ferdinand Foundation