simon foulkes

Boy walks into my office with a carrier bag. He’s been away again. Florida, Holland, Poland. As his headteacher, I’m the one who authorises these trips. This time Barcelona. We chat through our mutual love of football. He’s 8 and playing for the academy at Man City. I ask him about his games this time. The reply is vague. He remembers the results, but not really the teams and he’s also not really bothered. I ask him what’s in the bag. ‘We swapped shirts’ he says. I brought this to show you’ I’m intrigued. I can only assume that it’s a nice little souvenir from his trip. He opens the bag and pulls out the shirt. Juventus. My word I’m impressed. ‘This is Juventus Jahmai. One of the biggest teams in the world’ Nothing. Not fussed. He smiles. I’m amazed. Imagine that. Typical. Our school is in the toughest corner of town, and he’s doing that. And he doesn’t even know it. Last night Jahmai played in a sell out Yankee stadium for @ManCity . Team mates with Haaland, Gealish, Ederson. Against AC Milan. And I’m now wondering if he knew who they were? Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Remember the name. He’s one of ours.