Pupils Give Partnership Work the Thumbs Up!

AFC Fylde Community Foundation, supported by Kepak Convenience Foods, have been able to deliver multiple free weekly sessions for local youngsters at Pear Tree School in Kirkham.  

Made possible through the partnership, the Foundation have been able to provide the students with a programme focusing on improving physical activity and mental health as well as enterprise projects.

The Foundation recently caught up with one of the pupils who has been participating to find out more about how the children are benefiting from the sessions.

Do you enjoy your enrichment sessions with AFC Fylde Community Foundation? 

MB: Yes, I do a lot!  

What is your favourite sports activity with AFC Fylde Community Foundation?

MB: My favourite sports activity in the AFC Fylde sessions is when we play hockey with the tennis balls.

How did you feel the first time you came to Mill Farm?

MB: The first time I visited Mill Farm I felt very excited. I was happy to see it. 

How do you feel when we set off to Mill Farm now that you know what is going to take place?

MB: I feel happy about it. I know the routines and the settings well.

How do you feel about working with the coaches at AFC Fylde Community Foundation? 

MB: I like them. I feel okay about working with the different coaches because they are all nice and helpful.  

What do you like about working with the sports coaches at AFC Fylde Community Foundation? 

MB: I like the Fylde sports activities because I get lots of pleasure from it. 

Any other comments?

MB: I really enjoy the sessions. I’m excited to keep on doing them with my friends at school. 

Tom Simpkins, Sixth Form lead at Pear Tree School sees the true value in the sessions. He said: “The sessions with sports coaches at AFC Fylde Community Foundation provide an invaluable opportunity for my students to work with new people in less familiar settings. This is an essential skill for them to develop as part of their preparation for adult life beyond Pear Tree School.

“With the sessions being offered as an optional area of the curriculum, linked to their personal enrichment, it provides opportunities for them to develop knowledge about the importance of healthy lifestyles and the benefits of exercise on the body and mind.

“It is the start of students taking ownership and responsibility for their own health and wellbeing and allows them the chance to push themselves – sometimes with a little encouragement from familiar staff – to try a new activity in a less familiar setting and with the chance to develop their resilience in the process.

“I have seen many students grow in confidence as a result of attending the sports sessions. Moving forward, it may be worth planning for activities that allow the students to work as part of a team or in pairs, to complete sports games, as well as focusing on ability at an individual level.”

For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date with all of our updates on twitter @afcfct.