Footballers surprised disabled children when they dropped into their school to see a new 'centre of excellence'.

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation welcomed Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele at the Learning Disability Centre of Excellence at Barnet and Southgate College.

The centre provides specialist education facilities dedicated to the specific needs of students with complex learning and physical disabilities.

Jan and Mousa joined in with circuit training exercises in the sports hall and a cooking and nutrition workshop in the centre’s kitchen before visiting the sensory room, which is kitted out with the latest equipment to support student’s needs.

Speaking about the visit, Jan said: “It’s been great to meet everyone here today and see how the new centre is helping people with disabilities to gain life skills. All of the students made us feel really welcome.”

Mr Dembele said: “The young people seem to enjoy the wide range of activities on offer at the centre – I would never have thought there would be such a variety, from sports to cooking. The facilities are very impressive and I’m sure they are already making a big difference on the lives of the people using this centre.”

The centre aims to make a difference in the lives of 200 young people each year to develop vital communication, independent living and work skills.

David Byrne, principal of Barnet & Southgate College, said: “We are working in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and the Premier League Charitable Fund to provide an inspirational centre of excellence programme that will empower students with learning disabilities, enabling them to reach their full potential and to increase their economic wellbeing within a practical and vocational learning environment.

“It’s an exciting partnership for the college and we are proud of the fact that the new centre of excellence is destined to become the key lead facility for sport and physical activity across North London.”