Who's up for a game of hockey? Actress Emma Watson takes on pupils in surprise visit to school

The star’s visit to Thorpe Hall Primary School was to launch a new charity, Hockey Futures, with just a week to go before the start of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup in London.

She was joined by Rio 2016 Olympic gold medal winner Helen Richardson-Walsh and Commonwealth and European medallist Emily Defroand.

The charity will partner with clubs to create outreach programmes that connect with young people through schools and community organisations up and down the country.

Emma, who played hockey for Rover Oxford as a youngster and also at Brown University, joined in with twenty children in a session delivered by coaches from Waltham Forest Hockey Club.

Emma said: “Hockey was a big part of my life growing up and I’m thrilled that England Hockey are committed to making the sport more accessible to children all over the country through the launch of Hockey Futures.

"Hockey is the nation’s most gender equal sport and it was fantastic to visit a Hockey Futures session at Thorpe Hall Primary School and see children playing together, learning new skills - and teaching me some new hockey tricks too.

“This is such an exciting time for hockey in England, with London hosting the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup this month.

"All the England games are already sold out, and I hope that the event will draw more young people to the sport.

"It’s a really important opportunity to celebrate leading sports women from all over the world and I wish all the players every success in their games.”

With the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup starting in London on Saturday, July 21, England Hockey are using the event as a platform to help launch the charity.

Helen and Emily, who are both ambassadors for Hockey Futures, helped guide Emma through a Quicksticks session at Thorpe Hall’s sports facilities.

Helen said, “It was great to be part of the event alongside Emma, Emily and of course the schoolchildren.”

She added: “Throughout my career and since Rio I’ve seen first-hand how powerful sport can be at grass roots, and long may it continue through Hockey Futures.”

The three ladies helped gift the school with 100 free tickets for a World Cup session, while Helen and Emily presented Emma with a signed shirt from the England women’s World Cup squad.

Emily said: “It was a fantastic event and I’m happy to admit it was an amazing surprise for everyone in the room that Emma was able to join us.”

The Women’s Hockey World Cup runs from July 21 to August 5 at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and this will form the start of Hockey Futures’ public campaign to raise £1m before the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.