This year has been another exceptional one for our Premier League Primary Stars team. Through growing partnerships, we have inspired young people across Blackpool within our programmes and events. There have been opportunities for children to take part in more football, sports and physical activity that champion participation and inclusion. We have provided high-quality support to teachers with planning and delivery of PE, sport, and active classroom learning. We have delivered festivals, competitions, and workshops that coincide with national awareness days such as Anti-Bullying Week. We have hosted unforgettable visits from top professionals, trophies, and national partners, enriching pupils’ experiences both on and off the pitch.
Our annual Premier League Primary Stars Under-11 Girls Tournament at Stanley Park took place in January. As part of our PE provision for primary schools across Blackpool, the tournament aims to support and increase girls’ participation in football. Fourteen teams from thirteen schools across the Fylde Coast competed in 33 small-sided matches throughout the morning. The final was contested between Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School and St John Vianney RC Primary School, ending 3–3, and Our Lady of the Assumption won on penalties to progress to the regional finals in Blackburn in February, where they represented their school and Blackpool FC. This event forms part of the national Premier League Primary Stars programme, launched in 2017 to help primary-aged children stay active and develop key life skills.
In March, we facilitated a visit from professional referee Oliver Langford at one of our partner schools, Revoe Learning Academy. Partnering with the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) allows us to enhance our offer to local primary schools. These workshops are designed to be interactive and engaging, encouraging the pupils to work together. Oliver shared all his officiating clothing and gadgets, and the pupils were invited to ask questions. These hands-on learning experiences immerse children in the session and engage them in a way that can only be achieved by access to industry professionals.
In July, we hosted a Kellogg’s takeover at one of our partner schools, Stanley Primary School. The event, supported by the EFL and Kellogg’s, was organised to raise awareness of our summer Kellogg’s Football Camps at Aspire Sports Hub and to promote the free day coupon available on Kellogg’s cereal boxes. Each year group enjoyed an hour in the sunshine, taking part in a carousel of football activities, including penalty shootouts, passing challenges and mini matches. It was fantastic to see the children having fun while staying physically active. The session concluded with pupils having their photos taken with three EFL trophies. We take great pride in providing these kinds of opportunities for our partner schools.
In collaboration with the Premier League, we gave pupils and staff at one of our partner schools, Roseacre Primary Academy, the opportunity to see the Premier League Trophy up close. Each class spent 15 minutes with the trophy, learning about its design, history, and the football legends who have held it. This visit coincided with our annual Jimmy Armfield Memorial Tournament, which featured 16 teams from 12 local schools. St Nicholas C of E Primary School won the main trophy for the fourth consecutive year, while Our Lady of Assumption claimed the plate.
In October, we hosted our annual anti-discrimination event for schools, in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card, Blackpool FC and the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Around 110 children from 11 local primary, secondary, and SEND schools attended the full-day event at Bloomfield Road. In the morning, they took part in workshops on hate crime, racism, and allyship, engaging in discussions, activities, and reflections designed to promote understanding, inclusion, and equality. The children then created designs and posters to showcase allyship and unity, with the winning design professionally displayed around the club and shared with local schools. In the afternoon, a Q&A session and discussion with Blackpool FC player Ashley Fletcher, who shared his experiences with discrimination and answered questions before signing memorabilia and meeting the children.
We delivered a record number of workshops in Anti-Bullying Week across schools in Blackpool, linked to the topic of “The Power of Good.” This educated students on the skills they need to combat bullying and use their power for good.
This year has highlighted the hard work of our Premier League Primary Stars team and their dedication to elevating the learning experiences of the young people in Blackpool. Through the power of sport, our team has delivered inclusive sessions, tournaments and hands-on learning opportunities.
Primary Physical Education Manager, Simon Smith, shared his views,
“This year has been another hugely successful one for our Premier League Primary Stars team. We have given opportunities to more pupils than ever. Through Premier League Primary Stars, we’ve seen how strong partnerships, inclusive activities, and high-quality school support can inspire children in every corner of Blackpool, helping them learn, thrive, and feel part of something bigger. From national awareness days to unforgettable player, trophy, and stadium visits, we continue to engage and inspire the children of our amazing and unique town.”
