This is a joint project, creating a partnership amongst
Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC, the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton, The
Hub, the Football Foundation and the Department for Education and Skills. Links
with primary and secondary schools in both authorities extend this partnership
into the local community. The opening of a Study Support Centre at Tooting
& Mitcham Utd FC, (The Hub) will mark the growth of the initiative in the
London Borough of Merton. A thriving Playing for Success programme has been in
operation at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Study Support Centre since 2003 and
Merton is keen to expand the scheme through this joint venture with the London
Borough of Sutton.
The Centre aims to provide study support for targeted 9-14 year olds to help with key skills. The study support provision operates for approximately 30 weeks per year. Pupils’ interest in football and sport is harnessed through related activities that capture their attention and encouraging learning. Young people from schools in Merton and Sutton will attend sessions at Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC Study Support Centre after school. Pupils will have access to their own computer and the Centre’s excellent ICT facilities. There are also new opportunities to build relationships and interact with adults and other young people.
Background
‘Playing for Success’ is a Department for Education and Skills Study Support initiative to create learning opportunities out-of-school-hours to raise pupil attainment. It was first established with premier league football clubs in 1977 and has now opened up to other sports like rugby, cricket, gymnastics and tennis. For most clubs ‘Playing for Success’ is a tool to raise the profile of the club within the local community. It is not an initiative to teach the children to play the sport, but to provide a new learning environment, new opportunities for social interaction, a low pupil to mentor ratio and individual access to ICT for curriculum learning and support. The scheme aims to raise achievement in literacy, numeracy and ICT and to enhance self-esteem.
The Programme
The programme is designed to give maximum enjoyment and encouragement to pupils, whilst developing key study skills. There will be liaison between staff at the Study Support Centre and teachers to ensure that the programme on offer complements and enhances the pupils’ schoolwork. The use of ICT will be built into the programme to aid and improve the presentation of work and develop pupils’ competence in this rapidly growing area. A trained adult mentor will always be close at hand to support and encourage pupils in their tasks. Study support assistants, known as ‘mentors’, may be paid employees or volunteers from Tooting & Mitcham supporters and the local community. Being a mentor involves acting as a good role model for pupils; having enthusiasm for the role of education and the opportunities it provides; building relationships, empathising with students and communicating at pupil level; and motivating and encouraging pupils whilst they participate in the literacy, numeracy and IT activities.
Awards and Incentives
There will be a “Celebration of Achievement” evening hosted by the Club and the Centre, at the end of each programme. Certificates will be awarded for positive attitude, achievement, attendance and effort. Students, parents, mentors, teachers, local education officers, Tooting & Mitcham Utd FC staff and celebrities will be invited to attend these evenings to join in congratulating pupils who have attended the Centre. There will also be an opportunity to view students’ work.
Involvement
Volunteers from the Tooting & Mitcham community will be heartily welcomed as participants in what is a pioneering project in non-league football.