Launched in 2017 and available to every primary school in England and Wales, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to support pupils in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field.
To celebrate, clubs have nominated a ‘Superstar’ – a young person or teacher who has inspired others through their dedication to the programme, enthusiasm and own personal development.
One person who has benefitted from their involvement in the programme is Nicola Pugh, of Holy Name Primary School in Moss Side, who has been named as a ‘Superstar’ by City in the Community as part of the programme’s five-year anniversary celebrations.
Nicola, PE lead at the school, was chosen as City in the Community’s Premier League Primary Stars Superstar because her attitude towards the aims of the programme have been exceptional.
Holy Name Primary have been part of CITC’s Premier League Primary Stars programme since its inception, and Nicola has been ever present during this time.
Having come from a sporty background herself, she fully understands the importance of PE teacher Continuing Professional Development across the school and encourages the all-staff members, including teaching assistants, to be actively participating within the lesson.
Furthermore, she is very keen on Holy Name to participate in any additional extra initiatives that CITC can offer both internally and externally.
Her organisation and communication skills make our partnership with her and the school incredibly strong, allowing us to provide the best experience for her pupils.
Nicola is a credit to her school and a wonderful advocate for the PLPS programme over these past five years.
She deserves to be recognised for all her support, beyond her teaching role, in enabling all pupils and staff to gain the best experience for CITC and PL.
City in the Community began its Premier League Primary Stars delivery in 2017 and since then has supported 75,000 young people across 100 local schools.
Each ‘Superstar’ will receive a Nike Strike football, thanks to Premier League partner Nike, and a framed, limited-edition five-year anniversary illustration, created by graphic designer and digital illustrator Zem Clarke.
Premier League Primary Stars provides teachers and parents with free downloadable resources across a range of curriculum subjects at Key Stage 1 (age 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (age 7-11), developed by teachers for teachers, and in collaboration with experts such as the National Literacy Trust and the PSHE Association.
Currently 105 professional football clubs from across the leagues run in-classroom Premier League Primary Stars sessions in local schools. More than 58,000 teachers have signed up to access free online national curriculum-linked resources.
The Premier League funds Premier League Primary Stars and other community programmes through its £100m investment per season in community facilities and community and education programmes.
This is the biggest voluntary contribution to communities and other good causes of any football league in the world.
