England lioness Demi Stokes inspires Sunderland children to get active

England Lioness Demi Stokes has been visiting children at schools in Sunderland as part of the Path to Paris Olympic initiative.

Transcript

00:30And Demi, have you enjoyed coming to the school and getting away with the kids there?

00:33Yeah, it's been really good. This one's been my favourite actually.

00:37We've sang a song, we've played some football.

00:42But no, it's just nice to come in, put smiles on faces and give back as well.

00:47How important is it to promote healthy lifestyles with the children as well?

00:50I think it's so important. I think obviously you can just see how happy they are with a football just on the field.

00:56It doesn't take a lot. But I think it's important to encourage kids to be active.

01:01Because as well it links to mental health and overall physicality of being healthy, so it's so important.

01:10Is it one of the best parts of a job of being a footballer, being able to inspire children and young people as well?

01:15Yeah, definitely. I think obviously again you've seen the kids' faces, how happy they are.

01:20I've actually not done a lot, I've just come in and played with them, had a little kick about.

01:25But yeah, naturally I have a duty to pay and a responsibility to make sure that I am inspiring.

01:33Because kids watch everything and they're looking up to everything that we are doing.

01:38Obviously you used to play for Sunderland, is it extra special to come back to the city as well, to be in schools in Sunderland City itself?

01:44Yeah, it's good to get anywhere, it's good to just get in any schools and I think that's what I'm passionate about.

01:49If I can help any school out or put a smile on the kids' face then I'm happy to do that.

02:19Good luck, that's your celebration.