A FORMER England footballer has given words of engagement to the next generation.

Jermaine Jenas was welcomed to Sherfield School on Friday to officially open the school’s new state-of-the-art 3G training pitches.

To coincide with Armistice Day the school has named the pitch the Aidan Liddell memorial pitch, in memory of one of the fallen soldiers during the First World War who lived in Sherfield-on-Loddon.

Parents, school VIPs and pupils were welcome to attend the official opening of the pitches on Friday.

Before the former Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur player cut the ribbon, headteacher Nick Brian explained the history of the Liddell family.

Mr Brian said: “The Liddells used to live in Sherfield Manor, which this school used to be 100 years ago. Aidan Liddell was a war hero and was given the Victoria’s Cross

“This pitch is for the school now and future generations to come.”

The ex-footballer said: “This type of facility is something that really should be taken advantage of. When I was younger we didn’t have facilities like this, so make the most of it.

“I think it is brilliant that you have commemorated the Liddell family in such a way that they will live on.”

After the ribbon cutting Jenas witnessed some of the students being put through their paces on the new playing surface as well as taking selfies with all the students.