“The sky is the limit with hard work and dedication.”

That’s the message that Bristol City striker Nahki Wells drove home to a group of junior footballers from his former club, Dandy Town, who attended the Sky Bet Championship season opener away to Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

A contingent of 40 players and staff from the Dandy Town youth academy are broadening their horizons on a football education tour to Sheffield, England, and with the generous support of Wells were able to attend the match, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

“I was able to help the club get access to tickets and they made it over, so for me it was a special moment to see them arrive and attend the game,” Wells told The Royal Gazette.

“They brought a big following over while they are in the UK for their tour and of course a lot of familiar faces; a lot of important people who played big roles in my career as a youngster.

“Good to see Devarr Boyles [club president] and Carlos Smith, who was one of my idols growing up, giving back to the football club that paved the way for all of us. Delighted I was able to catch up with them after the game.

“In the circle of life, I have seen a lot of people that I grew up with and grew up watching, and their children coming through playing for the club, and with time moving on it’s the same cycle.

“A good bunch of young females and young males that came along that hopefully can take inspiration from the game. You can see that I came from the same infrastructure and same set-up — the sky is the limit with hard work and dedication.

“Happy to be able to play and showcase that to my people, so all in all a good day.”

Aaron Denkins, the Town chief operating officer and former head coach, said the youngsters were thrilled to have the opportunity to watch Wells in action and, better yet, get to meet him after the match.

“The highlight of the tour so far was being able to see and support Nahki Wells, a former Dandy Town player, play against Hull City,” he said.

“Nahki gave his jersey to our fans and arranged to meet with the group to sign autographs after the game.

“The group were excited to be able to meet and greet with Nahki and very appreciative that he took the time to recognise his country and club.”

Wells was a 72nd-minute substitute as the Robins were forced to settle for a share of the spoils after squandering the lead in second-half stoppage time.

Debutant Fally Mayulu’s goal in the 84th minute appeared to secured victory for the visiting side, the French forward taking a brilliant touch before turning and firing into the bottom left-hand corner.

However, the home side equalised through Colombian striker Óscar Estupiñán’s penalty in added time.

“It’s good to have the season up and running, good to be back among it,” Wells added.

“A bit disappointed not to start the game, of course, after having a decent preseason, but was able to get on. I thought I made a positive impact and was disappointed not to win after going in front and conceding late.

“Some positives and negatives to take away from the first game away from home.”