Park Road Academy is one of the local schools where we proudly run our lunchtime and after-school club sessions at, as well as some PSCHE lessons focusing on anti-discrimination.
With the help of the National League Trust and Primary Stars, we are able to carry out these sessions, providing free physical exercise for over 200 children each week. We spoke to the Head of P.E. Tom Smart and Year 4 student Oscar about the impact the coaches and their classes have on the children and the school environment. 7
Here is what Tom had to say about AFC Community Sport’s involvement in their school:
How did you find out about the work that Altrincham does and how did everything come together?
‘’The Premier League Primary Stars program was mentioned in emails to myself through the Trafford Schools Sports Partnership but also through the club and Simon Dow, of which we have had a strong affiliate link for over 6 years. I simply emailed Simon and Lisa requesting what we would need for the next academic year during the summer and they were then able to put the pieces together with some support from myself ready for the sessions to begin in September.’’
In your opinion, how has Altrincham FC Community made a positive impact on the children at Park Road?
‘’Children are finding that the lessons during lunchtimes are engaging and an excellent way of participating in organized physically active sessions. This has meant that children have had to develop communication and teamwork skills to assist them in the task they are striving towards. Children often come back in from lunchtime feeling a sense of achievement and feeling refreshed ready for the afternoon ahead. One child has mentioned that it helps them get rid of anxious thoughts and improve their confidence.’’
Is there a certain memory of the team working at your school that sticks out?
‘’The children know the team well and therefore often have a good rapport with the coaches. Throughout the years it has been great to see the children develop in confidence and competence especially around the football with the after-school clubs. This has also enabled the school team to benefit from the work previously completed with children before reaching Year 5 and 6 and then moving on to representing the school teams.’’
Here is the chat we had with a Year 4 pupil about what he enjoys about our lunchtime session:
What do you like most about the lunchtime sessions?
‘‘I really enjoy how fun and exciting the coaches make our lunchtimes. Tommy always has really fun games for us to play and everyone gets involved.’’
How do you think these sessions have helped your skills?
‘‘I feel like some of my football skills have gotten a lot better and that I have become better at sprinting. I’m also speaking more to my teammates and they understand what I want them to do. ‘‘
What is your favourite memory from the sessions?
‘‘One day Tommy let us play all different games in a tournament, and everyone got to choose the games we played. We played; football, tennis, tag and capture the flag and I had so much fun!’’
It makes us at Altrincham Community very proud and happy to see how much of an impact our sessions have on the local children and that it is making a real difference.
