“GOAL!”
A bespoke after-school study programme – education and sporting opportunities
The “GOAL!” project, funded by the PL/PFA Community Fund, affords a programme of after-school educational and sporting opportunities for young people aged 9-12 years which has been developed in response to identified local demand.
Research shows that good quality study support opportunities can greatly help to improve levels of pupil motivation and provide an excellent means of raising educational standards. The programme is open to primary and secondary schools within Lancashire. Participation is by school referral only, each young person following a 9 week programme of activity. Sessions are held weekday afternoons, typically from 3:30-5:30pm. Transport to/from the Ewood Park stadium and school is available.
The project, which is delivered by qualified DfE teaching staff with CRB Enhanced level disclosure, affords children/young people the chance to participate in a wide range of personalised, imaginative learning activities, providing opportunities to be creative, competitive and to face up to different challenges as individuals and in groups and teams. The bespoke programme created for schools includes opportunities to develop key skills capability through the use of ICT tools to support learning in all subjects; sport/health and fitness. All activities are stimulating and enjoyable, helping young people think about personal identities, experiences and aspirations.
A Celebration Event to publicly recognise the achievements of participants is held at Ewood Park following programme completion. This very popular evening, attended by parents, teachers and Blackburn Rovers first team players, sees the presentation of certificates of attendance and BRFC incentives for the achievement of set targets.
In summary, the “GOAL!” project aims to:
- provide a safe, supportive environment in which children/young people can explore and further develop their individual talents and interests;
- provide learning activities that encourage and motivate children and young people, allowing them the opportunity to discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences;
- build their self-esteem and self-confidence;
- foster positive attitudes to learning;
- contribute to higher standards of achievement.
The tremendous popularity of “GOAL!” is evidenced by the high attendance and retention rates over the 9 week cycle. Pupils’ capability in ICT is seen to improve significantly as a result of the opportunity to engage with new programmes, applications and systems and those youngsters who include football coaching in their programme of study also frequently note that they feel “fitter and healthier” at programme end.
Other particular benefits commented upon by teachers, parents and the young people themselves include increased levels of confidence and self-esteem; independence; attitude and enthusiasm for learning; the opportunity to build new friendships and work as part of a team. Findings also show that teachers feel that participation in the programme has a positive impact on pupil motivation and attitude back at school.
School comment: ‘The programme not only helps strengthen and reinforce what the children learn here at school but also gives them the opportunity to learn and experience new things, many of which they would not be able to do otherwise. This is very beneficial …… and provides tremendous enjoyment for all involved.’
Parent comment: “She seems to be more confident about herself and always excitedly tells us about what she has done during the “GOAL!” session whereas with any other activity she doesn’t seem to tell us much. I would recommend to any parent to let their child or children attend.”
Young person comment: “I have loved every second!”
To find out more about the “GOAL!” programme and the opportunity for your school to take part in this bespoke programme please contact the Education Department on 01254 296257; email
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or complete the Contact page on our website.
