England star Jordan Nobbs inspires Bishop Middleham pupils

The midfielder visited St Michael’s C of E Primary School in Bishop Middleham, near Ferryhill, to run a training session for pupils in partnership with Miracle-Gro.

The visit is part of a wider campaign to encourage children to get active outdoors.Jordan Nobbs returns to her County Durham roots (Image: Miracle-Gro)

Ms Nobbs said: “Some of my earliest football memories were right in the back garden and at my local playing fields.

“I want every child to feel that same spark of inspiration I had, and it starts with giving them the space to play, dream, and just have fun.

“That’s why I’m proud to team up with Miracle-Gro to help families get their gardens game-ready for a summer of sport.”Jordan Nobbs with pupils of St Michaels C of E Primary School. (Image: Miracle-Gro)

The campaign follows research revealing that 68 per cent of UK parents believe major sporting events inspire their children to be more active outdoors.

However, 80 per cent also said their children spend less time playing in the garden than they did at the same age.

Ms Nobbs’ visit aimed to show children that dreams can start in any outdoor space, big or small.(Image: Miracle-Gro)

Karen Wilkinson, UK and Ireland marketing director for Miracle-Gro, said: “This summer, as sporting fever sweeps the nation, we’re proud to team up with Jordan Nobbs to help families transform their outdoor spaces into arenas of imagination and joy.

“Whether it’s planting a seed, kicking a ball, or simply soaking up the sun, time in the garden nurtures more than just plants – it nurtures wellbeing, togetherness, and lifelong memories.”

The research also found that adults spent an average of 5.1 hours per week playing in the garden as children, compared to 3.5 hours for today’s youngsters.Jordan Nobbs (Image: Miracle-Gro)

Of parents surveyed, 85 per cent noticed a drop in screen time when their children were inspired by major sporting events.

Other benefits included increased physical fitness (65 per cent), improved mood (60 per cent), and better sleep (52 per cent).

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Despite the positive impact, 60 per cent of parents said their children have caused some form of garden damage while playing sports outside.

Common issues included broken plants or flower beds (57 per cent), worn-out grass (48 per cent), and damaged fences or outdoor furniture (30 per cent).

However, 58 per cent of parents said they don’t mind garden damage if it means their children are outside playing.