The pied piper of Chalfont St Peter (From Thurrock Gazette)

Football coach returns to former school with Olympic torch

4:40pm Friday 1st June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News

MATTHEW Finn of Chalfont St Peter said carrying the Olympic Torch through the village of Fernhill Heath in Worcestershire and visiting St Joseph’s School with his prized possession was “a moment to treasure.”

Thousands hit the streets to see Matthew complete his leg of the torch relay on May 24, where locals lined the pavements up to five-people deep to cheer him on.

He said: “It was amazing. It was a pretty emotional experience and the support from the crowd with all their flags and bunting made it a fantastic experience.

“My family were waiting for me at the end and my kids were wearing special t-shirts.”

Finn was nominated by St Joseph’s Saturday Football Club for voluntarily coaching children from the school every Saturday morning for the past five years.

The Chalfont St Peter School is clearly close to his heart. A former pupil, his mother Theresa has been a member of staff for over 20 years and his children, Harry and Molly, are current pupils. He was delighted to share his moment with all the youngsters.

He said: “Coaching is great fun and to be able to represent St Joseph’s and the other coaches was amazing.”

The inspirational football coach spoke to the attentive pupils about the history, symbolism and route of the Olympic Torch as well as providing a slideshow and video clips of the moment he became the first Bucks representative to carry the torch.

Deputy Head of St Joseph’s School Julie Stewart said: “We were very honoured to have Matthew come into our assemblies last Friday.

“The children were keen to see the Olympic Torch and were fascinated to hear about its meaning and symbolism.

“Matthew was nominated for his dedication and hard work as one of our Saturday morning football coaches.”

Finn said, “The children were really interested when I spoke to them. They were so well behaved throughout, it was fantastic – they loved it.”

Residents of Bucks will have to be patient if they wish to see the Olympic Torch as it doesn’t visit our nearby towns and villages until July 9.