Stevenage FC Foundation’s Joy of Moving, Move and Learn programme is a free 6-week initiative which is aimed at Year 5 students across the region...
The programme is designed to give Year 5 students an insight on how beneficial physical activity can be and how to live a balanced, active lifestyle.
Over the course of six weeks, children from year 5 will spend time in the classroom with Stevenage FC Foundation club coaches, learning about physical activity, body and mind, eatwell guide, meal planning, hydration and joy of moving through participating in interactive activities. This is then followed by a practical session dedicated to the content delivered within the classroom.
Luke Wilkins, Primary Education Officer for Stevenage FC Foundation said, "I think the Joy of Moving programme is the perfect programme to allow children to understand how to live an active and balanced lifestyle whilst appreciating the benefits of physical activity. Having delivered the programme on numerous occasions I can see the impact it can have on a young child’s life. This can be something as small as changing their diets to include more healthier options or finding a newfound love of physical activity.”
Since the start of the academic year in September 2019, Stevenage FC Foundation has engaged with a total of 600 children across 10 schools, including Broom Barns Primary School, Camps Hill Community Primary School, Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Round Diamond Primary School, Sandon JMI School, St Thomas More RC Primary School, The Leys Primary School, Walkern Primary School, Watchlytes Primary School and Welwyn St Marys C of E Primary School. As well as taking part in the Joy of Moving programme, the children are offered a free U12 ticket to a Stevenage FC game and get the opportunity to participate in the Kids' Zone prior to kick-off.
Heidi Charlton, Sandon JMI Teaching Assistant said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed having Stevenage FC Foundation in to deliver the Joy of Moving programme. The content worked well in terms of a balance between written activities and outdoor games. The children were enthusiastic and eager to learn, and all completed the homework tasks each week. The practical delivery was great as it reinforced the learning from the theory, and it kept them thinking.”
"The Joy of Moving programme has been a huge success in Year 5," Ben Longland, Wachltes PE Co-Ordinator said. “I have been able to observe both the theory and practical sessions, all children have been engaged and learning is taking place in an active and fun way. All members of staff from Stevenage FC have been professional, punctual and motivational when delivering their lessons. Children look forward to the sessions taking place and are keen to impress."
Before the end of the academic year, Stevenage FC Foundation will be engaging with a further 360 children from the following schools: Ashtree Primary School, Fairlands Primary School, Lodge Farm Primary School, Longmeadow Primary School, Roebuck Academy, The Grange Academy and Watton-At-Stone Primary School.
These children will complete the Joy of Moving programme between February and July and will get the opportunity to attend one of the final Stevenage FC home games of the season.
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