Ealing school honours former student Bukayo Saka with playground mural

By Hannah Davenport

30th Nov 2021 | Local News

England footballer Bukayo Saka's former school in Ealing has dedicated a mural to him following a student's suggestion.

After being impressed with how Bukayo handled social media abuse and racist insults following the Euro 2020 final, nine-year-old current student Myla Clarke-Williams suggested a tribute was made and a mural of the former pupil painted in the school.

The request went to the Edward Betham Church of England Primary School's governing body via the headteacher, Caroline Chamberlain.

Street artist, and parent at the school, Darek Urlewicz, was then approached for help and was happy to step forward.

The result is an amazing mural for everyone to see and enjoy in the school playground.

Leader of Ealing Council, Peter Mason visited the school in Greenford last week to see the mural.

Councillor Mason said: "Just a few short years ago, Bukayo Saka was a pupil at Edward Betham, playing football here, on the Brentside Playing Fields and then on the pitches at Greenford High.

"His is a remarkable story of talent and achievement that everyone can take hope, inspiration and encouragement from.

"And I feel sure that everyone at his former schools and across Ealing shares an incredible sense of pride in his achievements.

"The intolerant and racist abuse that he and other members of the England squad faced was totally unacceptable.

"Myla's suggestion to honour Bukayo in this way, acknowledging not only his inspiration on the pitch, but also off the pitch shows a real maturity of thinking and I thank her for having such a wonderful idea and Darek for the skills to implement that idea.

"I'm delighted that the nomination of Bukayo to be the youngest ever recipient of the Freedom of the Borough has gone through and look forward to the day when he not only sees this amazing, larger than life depiction of himself, but also receives the honour from Ealing."

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