Since the start of the new academic calendar, Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation has been proud to deliver an exciting Premier League Primary Stars project, exploring how the values of football can shape positive behaviour and life skills.
One such beneficiary of the programme has been St. Joseph's Primary School in Billingham, where students have participated in interactive workshops over the past 12 weeks.
Sessions had a tailored focus to specific topics: resilience, teamwork, health and fitness, nutrition, anti-discrimination, mental health, online safety, and environmental sustainability - all through engaging activities that linked sport to everyday choices.
"The sessions encouraged pupils to think about how these principles apply both on the pitch and in the classroom, helping them grow as confident, respectful, and responsible individuals," said a spokesperson from St. Joseph's Primary School.
"As a special highlight, our Sports Leaders were invited to attend a match at the Riverside Stadium, a fantastic experience that celebrated their leadership and commitment. We are proud of the enthusiasm and maturity shown by all pupils and look forward to continuing this inspiring partnership."
That match in question was the first home fixture of 2026, a match where two of those topics were certainly on display. After overcoming a challenging first period, Boro showed plenty of resilience and teamwork to sweep aside Southampton with a 4-0 win.