Scott Brown is in his second year of giving out Accrington Stanley shirts to primary school pupils – and praises the initiative.
The midfielder was part of the Stanley squad who distributed around 1,200 shirts to Year Three pupils at the Wham Stadium this morning - the second year of a five-year initiative.
“It's good to get the kids here, hopefully there will be some kids who make the grade to get into the Accrington Stanley team later down the years,” said Brown.
“It's good for the club and community. If these kids look up to us as Stanley players, it's a good experience for them and the lads are always looking to give something back.”
Stanley are currently tenth in a tight League One table, slipping down from the Play-Off places, and are looking to grab their first win in four league games at Rochdale on Saturday and then Wycombe at the Wham Stadium next Tuesday.
“We have had a good start but, looking at some of the games which we have have drawn like Portsmouth and Coventry, we think we could have had another six points,” said the 33-year-old.
“We have though largely carried on where we left off last season and have taken it into this season.
“Saturday's opponents Barnsley are probably the best team we have played so far, they are a good outfit, a big club and we matched them in the first half and it showed there is nothing to be scared of in this league.
“It was a good atmosphere, it was a good game and we had chances in first half which should have done better with and they have had two chances and have taken them.
“They are games you want to be involved in, we have got Sunderland at home soon and that will be another tough test and everyone is looking forward to every game.”
Brown is battling for his place in the centre of the park with Newcastle loanee Dan Barlaser and summer signing Sam Finley currently occupying the two midfield spots.
“The two lads who are playing at the moment, Sam and Dan, are both excellent players, they are young and hungry," continued Brown.
“We have got a decent squad, I have played my part so far and I am just waiting to get back in now.
“I will bide my time and hopefully the opportunities will come.
“The lads are all confident, the gaffer has added to the squad with Dan and Sam who have come in and have been brilliant and the other lads, the likes of Zanzi [Offrande Zanzala], have kicked on this year.
“It's a massive game again on Saturday at Rochdale but we need to kick on now, we have dropped a couple of points over the last few weeks and we need to start climbing the table again.
“Yozzer [Mark Hughes] normally scores against Wycombe every time we play them and I scored against them at their place last season so, hopefully if I am involved, I will get a goal.”