Newark and Sherwood District council supports Nottingham Forest Community Trust new programme – Primary Stars programme – through UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Several primary schools across the district will be getting Premier League treatment over the next two years.
The programme – Primary Stars – is supported by Newark and Sherwood District Council through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
It was launched by Nottingham Forest Community Trust and is set to last two academic years starting this September across several schools in the district.
It used the appeal of Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to develop key skills and live healthier lifestyles through participation in physical education, enhanced learning opportunities and social action initiatives.
Councillor Matthew Spoors, portfolio holder for sustainable economic development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a great initiative that supports young people to develop skills that they will need later in life and will help those students that may be struggling in the classroom with targeted student interventions.
“This can also encourage students to engage in active lifestyles and develop a passion for sports with the involvement of a Premier League football team where young people have a chance to meet their heroes.
“I’m proud to know that Newark and Sherwood District Council has been able to bring this project to life thanks to our support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
The programme will include digital resources, weekly face-to-face delivery days in each participating school and on occasion, visits from Premier League players.
Jordan Ferrer, PLPS head coach at Nottingham Forest Community Trust, said: "Nottingham Forest Community Trust are delighted to start a new partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council. The partnership has opened up many different avenues in that area of Nottinghamshire, helping us with our overall commitment to support those that need us."
"We are very much looking forward to working with the schools selected, supporting pupils through PE delivery, intervention work and extra-curricular opportunities, enhancing the lives of the local community."
Besides support in the classroom, the project also organises tournaments, sports days, competitions and PE sessions for all year groups as well as standalone workshops with a focus on themes such as mental health, internet safety and environmental sustainability.
Jodi Ince, head at Blidworth Oaks Primary School, said: “We are so excited to begin our journey with the Nottingham Forest Community team. They have been excellent in sharing the benefits of the programme with us and showing great flexibility with working within our timetable and approaches to learning.
“The range of different elements on offer through the project; from PE teaching, mentoring and academic interventions and extremely impressive and we cannot wait to get started!”
Jenny Hodgkinson, head at Lovers Lane Primary School in Newark, said: "The Lovers’ Lane Primary School community are delighted to be working in partnership with Nottingham Forest Football Club and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
“The programme on offer is fantastic for our children and we are excited to receive support in lessons, additional learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities at school as well as visits to learn at the City Ground. We are really impressed by all that is on offer from a well-qualified and eager football team.”
