The Kinder +Sport Move and Learn project has been a very popular project for schools in 2017. The project which is free for participating schools has seen Accrington Stanley Community Trust engage with over 1000 9 – 11 year olds in over 25 schools.

The project sees our coaches teach pupils about the positive effects of exercise, how the human body works, how to have a balanced diet, how much of each food group should be eaten and what each group does for us and then how and why to stay hydrated. These sessions take place in the classroom where they work through a booklet before they move onto a practical P.E lesson. The practical sees pupils take part in 2 football sessions, 2 dodgeball sessions and 2 handball sessions, giving them an understanding of each sport and a chance to try it out, which for many is the first time playing these sports.

The coaches build up great relationships with the pupils, which is essential to get them engaged and wanting to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. The feedback from pupils is great and they show a great understanding of how and why to eat healthy and stay active, and of course they love taking part in the sports session where they have great fun and learn at the same time.

Once pupils complete the 6 week course we signpost them to other activities the trust deliver and we have seen pupils join our football development centre, take part in after school clubs and join us on our holiday courses.

Project coordinator Josh Cooper says ‘’2017 has been a great year for this project and we are looking forward to delivering to even more pupils in 2018, it’s great to see the children learn about a healthy lifestyle as well as having fun playing sport’’