Premier League Primary Stars

George Friend presents a teacher with a box of books, with children smiling in the background

Premier League Primary Stars

PREMIER League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.

Available to every primary school in England and Wales, it inspires girls and boys aged 5-11 in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field. Teaching materials cover subjects from English and Maths to teamwork and PE, with free to download activity ideas, worksheets, lesson plans, fun assemblies and exclusive videos.

There are further extra special opportunities for schools that register, such as a visit from the the Premier League Trophy for a day.

Archibald’s Primary School in Middlesbrough is one such winner from this draw, and the event was supported by our very own Roary the mascot, who was challenged to games of Table Tennis.

Adding value to this programme is the contribution that Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation makes by offering local schools the opportunity to draft in professional coaching from our team of experts who work with teachers to deliver fun, educational PE & Sport sessions.

A squad of highly qualified and motivated coaches with many years’ experience of working in primary schools with all ages of children including those with special needs.

The programme provided by the Foundation also allows partner schools to enter local football competitions with the opportunity to progress to national events organised by the Premier League. The Foundation has a direct connection with Middlesbrough Football Club’s Academy and scouts regularly attend football tournaments to identify new and progressive talented young people, and local events are regularly held at the prestigious training ground where it is possible to meet the first team players.

Our emphasis is very much on quality rather than quantity and our competitively priced programmes aim to educate and enthuse both pupils and staff. These are the moments children will cherish throughout their school life and as our programmes are linked to curriculum studies, we find that children’s ability to learn increases as they become more confident.

All schools that sign up to the Primary Stars website will receive a free values incentive pack with stickers and certificates to reward positive behaviour and achievements. For those who wish to enhance their offer through a programme that teaches children to work hard and never give up on their goals, give us a call or email for a free appraisal of your current and future needs and to see how we can assist.

Contact Natalie Guy on 01642 282128 or via email on natalie.guy@mfcfoundation.co.uk

Southlands Centre Development Update

We’re delighted with the news that planning permission for our new Southlands Centre has been approved.

We will now work closely with Middlesbrough Council to deliver the new centre and support the local community while progressing the funding requirements needed for the project.

Middlesbrough Council’s Executive will next week be asked to vote on finalising a lease agreement with us which would see relocate our headquarters and run the new site in East Middlesbrough.

The Ormesby Road scheme was given the green light by members of the Council’s planning committee in September, but its decision needed a final rubber stamp from government.

Middlesbrough Council have now received confirmation from Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, that it can go ahead after technical issues relating to site layout were resolved.

A tender process to appoint a contractor for the project is now underway, with hopes that work on the site, that will include a sports centre and be a top-class community facility, could begin early in the New Year, providing a big boost to East Middlesbrough.

The development’s first phase will see the construction of a new hub to be operated by the Foundation. The current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded, and open space provided to support additional physical activities.

A second phase of the scheme could see further extensions and improvements to the site.

Mayor Chris Cooke is delighted to see the project finally moving forward.

He said: “I can’t wait to see spades in the ground at the new Southlands Centre – it’s going to be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that the entire town will benefit from.

“MFC Foundation is the perfect partner and I am looking forward to working with them on what is an exciting and ambitious project.

“It will help our residents improve their physical and mental health, which is one of my key priorities for Middlesbrough.”

Cllr Theo Furness, Executive Member for Development, said: “Football is incredibly important to so many people in our town, so it’s a real boost for East Middlesbrough that Middlesbrough FC Foundation will be moving to the new Southlands site.

“I know that this type of top-class facility will have a huge impact and help to inspire the next generation to live healthy, active lives.”

The revamped Southlands will host other sports and physical activity as well as football, with grassroots clubs and community organisations using the site.

Inside the hub, community rooms, a classroom, a meeting room and a social area will host training workshops, employability courses, education, mentoring and social sessions.