Stevenage FC

Stevenage Football Club in the Community has recently re-launched its ground breaking Aspire project, which was such a success last year, whilst also introducing a new Aspire+ programme.

Following the success of the original Aspire programme last season, Aspire+ has been created to go that one step further. The programme will see groups of disengaged and high achieving pupils from local secondary schools invited to the stadium to take part in a series of four one hour workshops lead by club captain Mark Roberts.

Each session is based around motivation and aspiration in a bid to help pupils achieve their maximum potential in the classroom, whilst helping to further boost the clubs work in this area. Pictured below is Roberts and midfielder Robin Shroot, who worked with pupils from Marriott’s School on Monday. 

In addition, last Thursday saw the players start their Aspire monthly player visits to local primary schools. The programme, which engaged with 13,000 local children last season, aims to increase aspiration levels in local children through workshops focusing on teamwork, motivation, aspiration, leadership, goal setting and role models.

Players visiting the schools last week included Jon Ashton, Luke Freeman, Greg Tansey, David Gray, Chris Day and Lucas Akins, who all gave up their time after training and spoke about role models and how they can impact people’s lives.

Head of Community Alex Tunbridge stated “Aspire+ is a fantastic opportunity for local children and one which can help them achieve their potential both academically and with their futures. A big thank you goes to both Mark and Robin who have given up their time to help make a difference to these children’s lives.

“Aspire proved to be a fantastic project last season and was exceptionally well received by the schools and also received recognition from the PFA. We are delighted to be able to deliver the project again this season thanks to support from local author Ken Follett and I am sure the players will have a big impact in inspiring local school children over the course of the season.”