Throughout 2008, the National Year of Reading, Chelsea FC's education department has worked in partnership with staff at HMP Wandsworth to deliver a Premier League Reading Stars Project, based on the successful schools campaign.

The project aims to use the key ingredients of the PLRS programme to engage offenders in learning and to use the power of football to increase enjoyment of reading.

The project was led by Chelsea FC Education Manager, Suzi Raymond and uses the positive influence of footballers. One player from each Premier League club has selected an adult and children's book to encourage interest and enjoyment in reading as well as increasing literacy levels amongst participants.

Chelsea's 2008 Ambassador Ricardo Carvalho chose 'The Meaning of Sport' as his adult selection and the children's book 'Man of the Match'.

Carvalho said: "I think that reading is very important. It is a good way to relax and to use your imagination. I like reading magazines and also things about football or sport in general."

The project consisted of two sessions, firstly a one hour library/education programme followed by a coaching class delivered by Chelsea's community team with support from prison staff.

The education sessions involved developing valuable skills such as teamwork, group discussion, reading, writing and communication skills.

Oliver Ababio, the Prison Librarian said: "The project worked really well as a game of two halves and both the literacy and football coaching sessions were popular. The evidence is in the interactivity, the guys are happily volunteering to participate, reading aloud and sharing opinions."

Suzi Raymond, Chelsea FC Education Manager said: "Premier League Reading Stars has been well-received at HMP Wandsworth and we hope to build on this partnership. Football is a great way to inspire people of all ages. The project helped to motivate the participants to get the most out of the library, sports and learning opportunities available and to develop important life skills."

One of the sessions was an author visit and the group took part in a Q&A session with Chelsea FC historian and author, Rick Glanvill. Rick talked inspirationally about developing ideas in writing and about his latest work, Paul Canoville's biography 'Black and Blue' which grabbed the attention of even the most reluctant of readers.

Paul Canoville himself attended the final project celebration event (on Friday 26th September) along with Chelsea FC directors Chris Alexander, Alan Shaw, Wandsworth Councillor James Cousins, Cabinet member for regeneration and community safety and Prison Governor, Ian Mullholland. The participants were presented with their certificates and joined a team photograph on the new prison pitch.

The project resources were provided by the Premier League Reading Stars project, which is funded by the Football Foundation, The Premier League, The National Literacy Trust and The Arts Council.

Chelsea Football Club has supported and delivered the Premier League Reading Stars project in local libraries for over five years. The project has had a huge impact on hundreds of families across the country. It uses the book choices of Premier League footballers to inspire and motivate participants to read more for pleasure.

To find out more about Reading Stars, click here