FOOTBALLERS visited a Tiptree school to learn about how children are living in Indian slums.

A dozen Colchester United players arrived at Milldene Primary School to hear from children on how impoverished communities in Mumbai live.

Pupils have spent the last term learning how children in poverty are living, by bringing in cereal boxes and juice cartons and “living” among the litter, to simulate a Mumbai slum.

They were also tasked with making something from the rubbish which can be used or sold.

During the term, the children wrote to famous people, telling of their concern about poverty.

U’s chairman Robbie Cowling wrote back and promised some players would go to the school to learn more.

A spokeswoman for the Sharma Foundation, which led the poverty course at the school, said: "Success requires focus, determination and tenacity, and the students at Milldene displayed all three qualities when they wrote off to every famous person they could think of, highlighting the plight of children born in the slums of Mumbai.

“The footballers at Colchester United have taken a truly inspirational step in supporting the students to find ways to make a difference to their peers, and develop entrepreneurial skills which will serve them well in their own future careers.”