Footballer Dele Alli spoke about how sports can help with mental health in a visit to a primary school.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder spoke to pupils from Lea Valley Primary School last Thursday (February 13).

He talked about the importance of opening up about your feelings, supporting each other and teamwork.

He also said sports can be used as a positive mechanism for managing mental wellbeing.

Enfield Independent:

Dele Alli speaking to the students. Credit: Tottenham Hotspurs.

Enfield Independent:

Dele Alli with the students. Credit: Tottenham Hotspurs.

He reflected on the pressures of being a professional athlete and how he deals with his own wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, he said: “As players, we do a lot of exercise and that helps with wellbeing, but also just spending time with friends and having the time to reset is really important.

“I want to let people know they’re not alone. There are always people to talk to and people who can help if you’re struggling.”

His visit is part of a programme by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation in partnership with mental health organisations in the community. It encourages young people to be active and aims to normalise the conversation around mental health.

Mr Alli took part in variety of activities with the children that helped them with confidence, teamwork and communication skills.

Enfield Independent:

Dele and some of the children playing with footballs. Credit: Tottenham Hotspurs.

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation health and wellbeing manager Katrina Heal said: “It was fantastic having Dele here showing his support for these young people and talking to them about wellbeing.

“From children all the way through to older people, everyone has different needs when it comes to looking after their mental health.

“That’s why we run programmes to help people of all ages in our local community lead healthy and positive lives.”