Michael Dawson and Jesse Marsch visit Ashville College

Former England World Cup defender Michael Dawson joined ex-Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch at Ashville College in Harrogate.

The pair shared their accounts of the sacrifices, setbacks and resilience required to succeed at the elite levels of the sport.

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Michael, now a Sky Sports pundit and commentator, drew on his 20-year career as he spoke to pupils at Ashville Prep and Senior School.

He spoke of the relentless work ethic to make it as a professional player and pressed the importance of teamwork and mental strength to overcome injuries and disappointments.

It came as Jesse recalled his journey, from his early days playing college football in the US to his rise managing one of England’s most-esteemed clubs.

Ashville head Rhiannon Wilkinson said pupils were “thoroughly absorbed” by the sessions.

She added: “As the nation looks ahead to the 60th anniversary of England’s legendary 1966 World Cup victory this summer, we were thrilled to welcome both Michael and Jesse.

“Pupils were thoroughly absorbed as they highlighted the importance of resilience, teamwork and commitment in achieving success in becoming young leaders.

“Their engaging sessions took place as football goes from strength-to-strength in both its success and popularity for boys and girls across all Ashville year groups.

“A number of our pupils have been selected to represent both national and regional teams this year, with one recently signing youth terms for Bradford City.”

Growing up in North Yorkshire, some of Michael’s earliest football memories were of kicking a ball against garage doors and playing in the streets.

He began his career with Northallerton Town and went on to make 469 league appearances for Nottingham Forrest, Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City.

Michael was selected for the 2010 England World Cup team – playing alongside football heroes Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Peter Crouch and then captain Steven Gerrard.

He took questions from the pupils on this, showing them football shirts and prized England caps.

Jesse Marsch – now head coach of the Canada men’s national soccer team -enjoyed a 14-season career in Major League Soccer (MLS), winning three MLS Cups and four United States Open Cups, as well as earning two caps for the US men’s national side.

Known for his energetic, attacking style, he played alongside the likes of Marco Etcheverry, Jaime Moreno, Eddie Pope and Jeff Agoos in the squad which won the first ever MLS cup in 1996.

He reflected on the defining moments, challenges and turning points that have shaped his journey from player to elite coach.

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