Standing in the grounds of the college’s Warrington campus for 20 years, the Roger Hunt Building honours a celebrated English footballer, recognising both his sporting achievements and his close links to the local area. Known affectionately as 'Sir Roger' by Liverpool supporters, he was a key member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad and remains one of Liverpool Football Club's all-time leading goal scorers.
On Thursday 15th October, Julie and David Hunt, son and daughter of Roger, alongside Philip Kemp, Julie’s husband, visited the college with Paul Marshall Johnson, artist, to present the portrait. In attendance to proudly receive the donation was the college’s Curriculum Manager for Sport, Military & Emergency Services, Matt Bold, and Lead Progress Coach and friend of the family, Steve Lawrence.
This generous donation further strengthens the connection between the college and the Hunt family and provides students with a lasting reminder of Roger Hunt's remarkable achievements. The portrait will take pride of place within the Roger Hunt Building, where it will continue to inspire students through the values, dedication, and determination he demonstrated throughout his life and career.
Matt Bold, Curriculum Manager for Sport, Military & Emergency Services, said: “It was a privilege to welcome Roger Hunt's family to the college and to receive this wonderful portrait. Roger's achievements, humility, and commitment to excellence will continue to inspire our students, and it is fitting that this artwork will have a permanent home within the building that proudly bears his name.”
Julie Hunt, daughter of Roger Hunt, said: “It was a real privilege to visit the college and to be given a tour of the Roger Hunt building. We particularly enjoyed seeing the achievements of former students proudly displayed on the walls. My dad would have loved to hear their stories, learn about their ambitions, and share in their hopes for the future.”
“We were also deeply touched by the warmth, enthusiasm and generosity shown by all the dedicated staff in welcoming our family and accepting this portrait of my dad for permanent display at the facility. It is our heartfelt hope that the portrait will serve as a lasting reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a belief in oneself, inspiring generations of students to follow their dreams and realise their full potential.”
“It has been a pleasure getting to know Paul, who has involved our family every step of the way in creating this wonderful portrait. His incredible talent and boundless enthusiasm have made the whole experience truly special, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”
Speaking about the artwork, artist Paul Marshall Johnson said: "Creating my Roger Hunt portrait was a dream come true. He had been my hero since I was five years old. Meeting his family and working with them to create it was a real honour.”
“During that time, I gave Julie a portrait of John Lennon that I had created. She later texted me to say she had put my picture on her bedroom wall. Sixty years earlier, I had put a picture of her dad on my own bedroom wall. That was a truly surreal moment."
The Sports, Military & Emergency Services Academy supports students aspiring to careers across a range of sectors, helping them develop the skills, resilience, and professionalism needed for future success. The addition of Roger Hunt's portrait further enhances the learning environment, providing students with a lasting link to a figure whose achievements continue to be recognised and celebrated.
Warrington & Vale Royal College would like to thank the Hunt family and Paul Marshall Johnson for their generosity and support in helping preserve and celebrate the legacy of one of the region's most iconic sporting figures.
