Festival of football for local schoolchildren
Students from Palace for Life Foundation’s Special Educational Needs (SEN) School Football Programme joined together to take part in a Festival full of exciting football activities and matches at Marjorie McClure School in Bromley on 28 March.
During the recent spring term, the Foundation delivered the SEN School Football Programme, targeting inactive students within two schools for children with special educational needs – Link Primary and St. Nicholas School in Croydon. Throughout the programme, the students took part in activities focusing on ball control, passing, shooting and working as a team.
The sixth week of the programme concluded with a Festival Finale for the students to showcase their improved motor skills and understanding of football, as well as to foster integration with students from other special schools. As the hosts, six students from Marjorie McClure School were also invited to take part. The Festival began with a range of activities which the students had completed during their time on the programme, expertly led by BT volunteers and Palace for Life staff, and supported by Coopers School Sport Leaders. Palace mascot Chris the Eagle also made a special appearance, proving popular with all the students.
In the second hour, the focus switched to matches, with a series of eventful games taking place which saw some brilliant saves and fantastic goals. After the final whistle was blown in the last game, the students all shook hands and were given a round of applause for their effort in the Festival and throughout the programme.
Reflecting on the day, Luisa Nunes, from St. Nicholas School, said:
“I really enjoyed the Festival. I loved being in goal and the penalty shootout!”
Devante Stone from Link Primary School added: “It was great, it was big, and it was fun!”
Teachers from Link Primary confirmed the positive impact the programme has had on students’ motivation to participate in football:
“Football with Palace for Life Foundation was a great opportunity for the children to have fun, work collectively and put their energy to great use. Many pupils have said that they will continue playing football and some are very keen to play during the Easter holidays.”
For more information about our SEN School Football Programme, please contact Disability Officer Keon Richardson on 07522225373, or by email: KeonRichardson@palaceforlife.org