Playing for Success

"Playing for Success" is an initiative set up by The Department for Education and skills, aims to focus on raising literacy, numeracy and ICT standards amongst demotivated KS2 and KS3 pupils [cite web |url=(http://www.bathrugby.com/419_422.php), |title= Playing for Success) |accessdate=2007-07-25 |format= |work=Bath Rugby ] . by holding out of school hours study support centres at football clubs and other sports’ grounds. The centres use the environment and medium of football, rugby union and other sports to help motivate pupils identified by their schools, as being in need of a boost to help them get back up to speed in literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology [cite web |url=(http://www.bathrugby.com/419_422.php), |title= Playing for Success) |accessdate=2007-07-25 |format= |work=Bath Rugby ] .

These Study Support Centres are staffed by centre managers, who are qualified and experienced teachers, supported by higher education and further education students working as mentors [cite web |url=(http://www.britishcouncil.org/dreams-playing-for-success-international.htm), |title= Playing for Success) |accessdate=2007-08-09 |format= |work=British Council ] .

The scheme started in 2000, when the Department for Education and Skills supported a small pilot extension which was held in FA Premier League and Nationwide Division one clubs. This scheme extended twice since 2004, through a new partnership between the Football Foundation and the Department for Education and Skills. The extension saw new centres open around the country, mainly by involving new sports such as Rugby union, Cricket, Hockey, Tennis, Gymnastics, Basketball and Horseracing. In April 2007, 153 football and other sports’ clubs are involved, with 130 centres open to date, benefiting 210,00 pupils so far.

Study Support Centres