Shrewsbury Town in the Community launch Champion Schools Project
This season Shrewsbury Town in the Community launched their Champion Schools Project out across Shropshire and are delighted with the early results.The project, in conjunction with the Premier League, was put in place in autumn 2015 by the Premier League who made a commitment to the government to expand its schools offer to every primary school in England and Wales by 2022.
The vision - To use the inspiration of the PL and professional football clubs to create healthier and more positive futures for all children in England and Wales.
The mission – To offer a world-class primary schools programme that uses the appeal of the PL and professional football clubs to improve and enhance PE and other curriculum areas, and develop the skills and values that are crucial to success in later life.
Community Sports Development Manager Tom Peevor, who is leading the project, is delighted at the response of Champion Schools and is hopeful that more schools in Shropshire will get in board with the programme.
“This project only started in September so the uptake has been brilliant,” said Tom. “Over the past few years especially we have been working hard to build relationships with schools in the community and it’s nice to see that because of the success of other projects, schools entrust us to carry on working with their staff and pupils.
“We currently go into several schools around Shropshire once a week to deliver a full programme of P.E. Are coaches are not only instructing the pupils, but also working with the teachers to assist them and develop their P.E delivery.
“Our coaches are suitably qualified and meet the recommendation from the Association for Physical Education (AFPE).
“The programme is for children in school from Reception to Year 6,”
And Tom admits that having the support and the appeal of Shrewsbury Town Football Club behind them helps to get their message across to the youngsters.
“We are so lucky to have the football club behind us and supporting us through all our initiatives, especially Champion Schools,” Tom adds.
“Not only do we have the ability to bring in first-team players to meet the kids or to take assembly, but we also have access to the staff behind the first-team. So very shortly we’ll have members of staff coming along to speak with the children and the teachers, from members of the media staff to club physios and hospitality managers.
“The pupils also have the opportunity to get match day tickets for first-team games and to go on behind-the-scenes looks at the Greenhous Meadow. There will also be opportunities to watch the first-team train.
“Our aim is just to improve and raise the quality of P.E in Shropshire and if we can do that alongside bringing Shrewsbury Town into the lives of these youngsters then all the better.”
For more information on Champion Schools, contact Tom Peevor at tom.peevor@shrewsburytown.co.uk you can also visit www.plprimarystars.com/ for more information.