Sheldon School welcomed a very special visitor to its after-school Pokémon club. Simon Benton, VP of Trading Card Game Sales at Pokémon, joined the club to talk about all things Pokémon and share some of the unique items in his personal collection.
The young Pokémon enthusiasts were delighted to look through his cards and memorabilia—including the extremely rare Ishihara GX card modelled after Tsunekazu Ishihara, a Japanese video game pioneer and President of The Pokémon Company.
Mr Benton also donated may items to the club including board games and card sets that will be used as prizes for upcoming Pokémon tournaments. Members of the club received card packs from the current Pokémon Scarlett and Violet Paradox Rift set to take home.
Mr Benton also very generously gifted the students with a collectable card, Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat, that was released as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. After receiving the gifts, one student exclaimed, “It was the best decision of my life to come to this club today!”
The club of over 20 students from all year groups has grown in popularity in recent months, with many students bringing their own sets from home to battle with fellow Pokémon fans. Keiran Humphries, leader of the club and Behaviour Support Mentor at Sheldon School, said, “It’s great to have students who have a shared interest. Pokémon is building connections outside the classroom.”
“We are very grateful to Mr Benton for visiting our school and supporting our Pokémon enrichment club,” said Peter Lynch, Headteacher of Sheldon School. “The students were thrilled to receive an early Christmas present from him. As a former Sheldon parent, it is wonderful that he has continued to support the school.
“Our extra-curricular programme is an important way for young people to find their place in our school, to share their interests with their peers and to foster relationships with staff. It is these extra-curricular clubs that instil our school values: be kind, be brave and be the best you.”