Team Mates celebrate at Selhurst
Selhurst Park Stadium played host to a celebration event for pupils who had taken part in the Palace for Life Team Mates programme.
We hosted a celebration event at Selhurst Park for all pupils who had been a part of the Team Mates programme for their hard work and persistence in these sessions over the last school year.
Team Mates offers children in south London extra support to develop their emotional resilience and self-confidence. These group sessions help children to challenge the way they think whilst helping to instil positive mental health.
For many of these children Selhurst Park is visible from their schools, but for a vast majority it was their first time inside the stadium, so we were glad to be able to use it to host the end of year celebration.
Once inside they were treated to an exclusive behind the scene tour of Selhurst Park, where they visited pitch side, sat in Roy Hodgson’s seat on the bench, and got to see the media centre.
Throughout the day the pupils took part in different workshops, similar to what they’d do in the classroom sessions we already do with them, such as games to improve confidence, communication and team building, in order to practice the skills they have developed throughout the year. The main workshop was looking at the qualities and characteristics which encompass team work.
This was ultimately tested by a challenge where the instructions were to plan and construct the tallest tower using only marshmallows and spaghetti. However, the biggest challenge appeared to be for the teachers who had to sit patiently, not allowed to help!
Palace for Life Healthy Lifestyle Officer, Chase Hill, said: “The aim of the day was to provide the children, who have worked so hard on the programme all year, not only an opportunity to see behind the scenes at Selhurst but to showcase their development from throughout the year.
“The theme of the day was teamwork and children were required to use their qualities such as positive communication, listening and negotiation to construct the tallest tower. Funnily enough it was the teachers who maybe need a bit more practice on their communication and listening skills!”
To find out more about our Team Mates sessions click HERE.