"Mental health issues still affect us. We’re still human beings."

That was the message Fulham captain Tim Ream and Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta had for the hundreds of kids who logged on to their Q&A session on anxiety as part of Mental Health Awareness week.

Teaming up with Virtual Soccer Schools - an organisation that Ream is the global athlete liason for - and Amazing People Schools, the two Premier League stars spoke to over 80 schools on Friday to help educate children around the country on mental health. The theme of the session was anxiety, and with over eight million people experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time, Ream and Azpilicueta were keen to help the kids understand it through recalling their own experience of it in their own lives.

Tim Ream quoted:

“To give back and speak to the kids and let them know that yes we’re athletes, we’re at the top of our game, and you see us on TV and doing these great things, but it still affects us. We’re still human beings.

“These days are helpful for the next generation but I’ve also found it’s helpful for me. It’s a way of me telling myself that these are feelings I’ve felt. It’s great to share those stories and feel so open and be able to share that with the kids.”

We were delighted that pupils at Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy were able to hear from these amazing players, and we have definitely been moved by Tim Ream and Cesar Azpilicueta's words!