Teachers take on Newport County AFC staff for charity

More than 40 people gathered in the football yard at the high school to watch the match which ended Lliswerry High School 6 - Newport County AFC staff 4.

Some of the people who took part included academy manager Byron Anthony and teachers Philip Grimes, Max Benjamin and Shaun Parry.

The match was arranged following a biology lesson on the effects of malaria, where pupils decided they wanted to raise money to combat the disease.

Teaching assistant Janet Ashford said the pupils have managed to raise more than £1,500 for the charity Malaria No More UK.

“We have been raising money for the charity since February,” said Mrs Ashford.

“Our initial target was to raise £100 and have malaria nets but we’ve gone way over that.

“The students were so moved after that biology lesson and wanted to make a difference.”

Mrs Ashford said that the school has engaged in a range of activities to raise money.

“One of the things we did was to ask for donations,” said Mrs Ashford. “The pupils also organised the match.

“We also had members of staff - including me - eat insects and we raised a lot of money that way.”

Head teacher Alyson Mills added: “I can’t think of a better way to end the school term than this. Everyone is loving this.

“The amount of work that the pupils and staff have put into this is inspiring.

“We’re close to having raised £1,500 so I’m hoping we reach this big target.

She added: “This is also my last day as head teacher and I’m pleased to go on a memorable day like this. I will miss the pupils and staff but it’s time to move on.”

Pupil Brogan New, 12, said the match was “fun” to watch.

He said: “I found it really exciting.

“I don’t like that a few of our teachers are playing for the opposite side but they’ve had to to make up the numbers.”

Another pupil Ishmael Hussain, 12, added: “There are lots of people here and I think it’s cool.

“Everyone is happy.”