THE Premier League is celebrating five years of its schools’ programme, Premier League Primary Stars.
Launched in 2017 and available to every primary school in England and Wales, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to support pupils in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field.
To celebrate, clubs have nominated a ‘Superstar’ – a young person or teacher who has inspired others through their dedication to the programme, enthusiasm and own personal development.
One person who has benefitted from their involvement in the programme is Mia, of Riverview Primary School, who has been named as a ‘Superstar’ by Burton Albion Community Trust as part of the programme’s five-year anniversary celebrations.
Mia was chosen as Burton Albion’s Premier League Primary Stars Superstar because through taking part in the Maths Stars programme, when she was in year 2, her confidence and attainment in Maths has increased. Mia particularly enjoyed working in a smaller group and gained confidence through having the support in a small group situation. Mia has said her confidence has grown through being helped in her Maths Stars sessions and for her to help others when they were struggling with something in maths. Now in year 4, Mia’s confidence and interest in Maths has continued to grow over the past few years since taking part in the programme.
Each ‘Superstar’ will receive a Nike Strike football, thanks to Premier League partner Nike, and a framed, limited-edition five-year anniversary illustration, created by graphic designer and digital illustrator Zem Clarke.
Premier League Primary Stars provides teachers and parents with free downloadable resources across a range of curriculum subjects at Key Stage 1 (age 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (age 7-11), developed by teachers for teachers, and in collaboration with experts such as the National Literacy Trust and the PSHE Association.
Currently 105 professional football clubs from across the leagues run in-classroom Premier League Primary Stars sessions in local schools. More than 58,000 teachers have signed up to access free online national curriculum-linked resources.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We launched Premier League Primary Stars five years ago to support teachers and use the power and popularity of football to inspire children in the classroom and on the sports field.
“Clubs do fantastic work to support children’s learning and we are very proud that this national education programme now engages more than 18,500 primary schools in England and Wales.
“Congratulations to all those who have been recognized as a Premier League Primary Stars Superstar, as part of the five-year anniversary celebrations, and thank you to all those involved in the programme over the years.”
The Premier League funds Premier League Primary Stars and other community programmes through its £100m investment per season in community facilities and community and education programmes. This is the biggest voluntary contribution to communities and other good causes of any football league in the world.
Key numbers from Five years of Premier League Primary Stars
- 105 professional football clubs across the football pyramid are funded by the Premier League to deliver Premier League Primary Stars sessions
- To date, the Premier League has invested almost £54 million into the programme
- More than 18,500 primary schools in England and Wales have taken part in the programme to date (84% of all primary schools)
- More than 58,000 teachers have engaged with the resources over the past five years
- Over 17 million attendances by primary school pupils at club led sessions since launch in 2017
Please visit www.premierleague.com for more information.
Contact: katie.johnson@burtonalbionct.org for further information or if you would like to speak with Burton Albion Community Trust about their Primary Stars programme.