More than 100 school children have been honoured by Sheffield United’s sporting stars for their dedication to an after school education project.
All the children who took part in the scheme have been rewarded with certificates awarded by United’s Academy players Danny Deakin, Adam Hinchcliffe and George Long alongside United’s Seamus Conneely and David McAllister during a presentation at Bramall Lane.
Pupils from Bankwood Primary School, Dobcroft Junior School, Anns Grove Primary School, St Wilfred’s Roman Catholic Primary School, Springfield Primary School and Abbeydale Primary School all took part in the Playing for Success project.
Playing for Success aims to raise the aspirations of young people in the city and is part of the Club’s United Initiative activities. The seven-week course saw youngsters, aged 9-13, spend one evening a week during the school term perfect their literacy, numeracy and computer skills.
Sheffield United Playing for Success awards
They took part in a range of football inspired activities, such as mathematical tasks in the Club shop and writing match reports. Pupils have access to a variety of equipment, such as the latest ICT kit, video and digital cameras, interactive quizzes and the stadium itself to ensure the activities are challenging and fun.
Danny Deakin, one of the players involved commented:
“Attending the presentation was a little nerve racking to start with but I enjoyed it. Being able to reward pupils for doing well was great. These opportunities certainly help us prepare for life as a professional player as well as assisting with our own education programme.”
