To celebrate the launch of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme, Demi Stokes and Leah Williamson each surprised a group of primary school children from two of the Host Cities.
The two England players joined in to lend a helping hand as pupils from Emerson Valley School in Milton Keynes and Manchester-based Charlestown Community Primary School were busy taking part in classes from the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme.
The programme that aims to inspire and unite schools and communities to grow the women’s game, gives teachers across the country access to a digital pack, consisting of free, cross-curricular resources all themed around the UEFA Women’s EURO.
Stokes and Williamson, who dialled in virtually to the lessons, not only got the 9-11 year-old pupils excited about meeting the star women’s players, but also helped them crack some of the Schools Programme challenges, such as designing a kit, preparing a half time team talk and researching some of the icons of the game, all before answering their questions about the upcoming tournament.
Demi Stokes who surprised Charlestown Community Primary School based just a few miles from her club Manchester City, said “It was great to surprise the school kids and host a class all about the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. It’s important they’re able to learn more about women’s football and be inspired to take part in this massive tournament in some way. The opening match is in their hometown of Manchester and I know their school has a group booking of tickets for it, so I hope we make it an incredible experience for them all!’
The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme resources are suited for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 [8-14 years of age] and have been developed and tested by teachers to encourage teamwork, creativity and a love of sport. The activities, which cover subjects including PE, English, Maths, PSHE [Personal, Social, Health and Economic education], Science and Art & Design, can be differentiated for pupils of varied abilities or with SEND and can be used in the classroom or at home.
The resources fit in with the school curriculum and include an array of activities and tips from how to run a EURO themed assembly to challenge packs consisting of 23 activities, such as making a mini stadium out of recycled materials and preparing a motivational speech as a team captain. Pupils will be able to fill out a tournament time journal as well as take on the role of organisers with creating their own Fan Zone.
As part of the programme, one lucky school that downloads the resources will also win a Q&A session with one of the England stars playing in the tournament, while other top prizes will be given out to schools in the lead-up to the first match on 6 July.
Watch the moment Demi and Leah surprise the schools here: https://f.io/0VOzjTdo
Milton Keynes-born Leah Williamson who surprised her hometown School, Emerson Valley said, “Many of us players discovered our love for football at school, so we know first-hand what an important role teachers play when it comes to instilling a passion for the game and developing the skills we need.
“I loved surprising the class from my hometown of Milton Keynes! It’s great that they’re able to learn more about women’s football and UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 – especially as they have group tickets to some of the games on their doorstep at Stadium MK.
“I’d love as many pupils and schools as possible to enjoy the UEFA Women's EURO this summer, with it being on home soil. The Schools Programme is packed full of resources to inspire children in the lead-up to the tournament and beyond, so I hope all schools get involved with the Programme to help provide a lasting legacy.”
To download the resources, and stand a chance of winning a Q&A with an England player, as well as many other prizes, visit www.weuro2022schools.com
Schools can purchase group tickets for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 up to 8 February, using code SCHOOLS at www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing/
Women’s Regional Leagues: Blackburn CSC and Moneyfields go top again
