St Stephens Primary School's Journey to the Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament

 St Stephens Primary School's Journey to the Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament

St Stephens Primary School's Journey to the Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament

St Stephens Church of England Primary School, located in Wolverhampton, recently had the opportunity to participate in the Premier League Primary Stars football tournament. The school, which is situated close to Molineux Stadium, was represented by a team of enthusiastic students who wore their team's first-team kit and played on a Premier League pitch at Brentford FC's Gtech Community Stadium.

The journey to the tournament was a remarkable one for St Stephens. Despite being a small school from a high-need area, they defied the odds to win two tournaments and make it to the national finals for the first time. The school's deputy headteacher, Nick Pearce, expressed his pride in the team, stating that the experience was "unreal" and that the Premier League had done an amazing job of making every child feel special.

The tournament not only provided the students with a unique football experience but also aimed to showcase the importance of equality and inclusivity. St Stephens and the Wolves Foundation worked together to demonstrate their commitment to giving female players the opportunity to play alongside and against boys.

Nick Pearce emphasized the significance of the tournament, stating that it would have a lasting impact on the wider community and the players involved. He believes that the experience will give the children belief and hope, and that it is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

The Premier League Primary Stars program is an excellent example of how football can be used to support children's development and education. The program has already engaged over 19,000 schools and has delivered more than 1.3 million sessions and events. It provides free resources for teachers and has enabled over 68,000 teachers to support children in being active and developing essential life skills.

The "More than a game" campaign highlights the Premier League's investment in communities and the wider game, with a £1.6 billion contribution over three years. This investment has a significant impact on local communities and football at all levels in England and Wales.

In conclusion, St Stephens Primary School's journey to the Premier League Primary Stars football tournament is an inspiring story that demonstrates the power of football in supporting children's development and education. The tournament provided a unique experience for the students, and the school's commitment to equality and inclusivity is a testament to the program's values.