Mary

“We’ve been involved with The Spartans Community Football Academy for many years. They have delivered lots of different initiatives in the school including physical literacy football programmes for nursery children, lunchtime and after school clubs and PE in the primary school. The Academy is fully integrated into the community: teachers, pupils and parents all know and trust them."

The Academy in the wider community

We’ve been involved in a new initiative where we have Kenny, a youth worker, coming to the school every Monday. Kenny has become part of the fabric of the school. He supports a lot of our pupils who have challenges and difficulties, building relationships with them and taking an interest in their school work and in their lives. Kenny is a consistent adult who is there for the kids, but he’s not a teacher, and that’s important. He communicates the same messages in a different way.

Kids will often open up to and chat with Kenny more than they would with a teacher. As a school staff, we have all noticed the positive impact that he has had on the self-belief and self-esteem of our pupils. He has become a key member of our team. It’s the consistent day-to-day, week-to-week dedication to the school that makes The Academy different. We have a shared philosophy and a ‘can do’ attitude that benefits staff, parents, the community and, most of all, the children at our school.”

“Mary and her team understand the positive effects that our youth workers can have on young lives. We are delighted to work with Pirniehall School where we have formed such a strong partnership dedicated to supporting young people in our community.”