Blackpool FC star Nathan Delfouneso visited Anchorsholme Library with pupils from Anchorsholme Academy as part of the ‘Reading the Game’ programme.
Reading the Game is part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme delivered in schools across the United Kingdom. Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.
Reading the Game is an English intervention initiative for reluctant readers which is supported by the Premier League Primary Stars Programme.
Year 5 pupils from Anchorsholme Primary Academy have had sessions delivered, twice a week, based around a variety of football related reading platforms. Sessions included looking at magazines, websites, blogs and a group novel in order to raise the pupil’s interest in reading.
As a reward for their hard work four pupils from Anchorsholme Academy, who took part in the Reading the Game programme, met Delfouneso and asked the winger what his favourite books are and the importance of reading.
Nathan said, “It’s been really good today. I remember reading a lot when I was in school and it’s important. I read to my son and he has so many books. If there’s any way I can help children to get involved in reading, I’m all up for it. There was a book on Pele and I explained what a great player he was – so hopefully they have learned a bit today.”
Ross, a pupil from Anchorsholme said, “Today has been amazing. I got to meet Nathan and I am a big Blackpool FC fan. Reading the Game has got me into reading. I look forward to reading now and I never did before I started this.”
The boys were eager to explain to Nathan what they had been learning in their Reading the Game sessions including hunting for facts and opinions in football magazine and describing the characters that had appeared in the books they had been reading.
Amanda Jackson, who is the Reading Development Officer for the Blackpool Libraries was on hand to advise the boys on how to use the library. The boys were issued with their first library cards and checked out some books for home reading. Amanda explained how books could be transferred from some of the bigger libraries and showed them how to use the self-checkout.
