Palace for Life and MP Steve Reed Present Premier League Trophy and New Kit to St Chad's Girls' Football Team
In a special school visit last week, Palace for Life Foundation the official charity of Crystal Palace F.C., visited St Chad’s School in south Norwood, to celebrate their ongoing partnership and commitment to youth development using the power of football. The event was highlighted by the presence of the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, Patron of the Palace for Life Foundation, who presented the school’s girls’ football team with new Premier League football kits.
The partnership between Palace for Life and St Chad’s has been a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts to engage and support local youth for over eight years. The Foundation has run comprehensive programmes at the school, including the Premier League Primary Stars Programme, which uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills alongside sports leaders and girls’ football sessions, making a significant impact on the student’s growth and development.
Steve Reed MP’s visit to St Chad’s underscores his vital role in supporting the Foundation’s initiatives, emphasising the importance of community engagement and support; alongside his previous involvement in past projects, such as the Palace Kitchen and events for refugees and asylum seekers.
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP said: “It was an honour to witness the unveiling of the new football kit for St Chad’s school’s girl’s football team against the backdrop of the Premier League trophy this morning. For me, it not only showcased the remarkable dedication of the Foundation within my constituency but also evoked a real sense of pride in my role as a Patron of Palace for Life. I was really inspired by the children’s insightful questions about my journey as an MP and I’m optimistic that their ongoing work with Palace for Life will inspire them to pursue their dreams.”
The highlight of Thursday’s event was the presentation of new Premier League football kits to the girls’ team, celebrating the Premier League’s commitment to supporting women’s and girls’ football. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Premier League Kit Scheme, in partnership with Nike, aiming to outfit over 58,000 girls in more than 4,000 primary schools across England and Wales with football kits.
The event also featured the Premier League Trophy, providing an inspirational moment for the students and underscoring the achievements and aspirations that football represents.
Richard Masters, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said: “Football is a game that everyone can enjoy, and it has the ability to empower and inspire young people in the classroom, the playground and on the pitch. I hope the girls enjoy their new Premier League kit and that they continue to reap the many benefits that football can bring, both on and off the pitch.”
Reflecting on the morning, the Foundation reiterated its mission to transform the lives of young people through the power of football, emphasizing the importance of such community events in promoting physical health, educational achievement, and social inclusion.
Palace for Life Foundation CEO, Mike Summers, said: “As we continue to expand our support to schools across south London, it was great to have the support of our Foundation Patron and local MP Steve Reed in presenting Premier League kit to the nearest school to our Selhurst Park home, St Chad’s. It was amazing to see the children’s excited reaction to the Premier League trophy, the insightful questions they asked us and a further reminder of the power of sport to give inspiration.”
As Palace for Life Foundation continues its work with over 16,000 young people annually, the event’s success at St Chad’s School stands as a testament to the positive impact of collaborative efforts in supporting the next generation.