PL Primary Stars

Five years of PL Primary Stars: Harry's story

21 Jun 2022

How Forest Green Rovers have helped an 11-year-old settle playground disputes

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Premier League Primary Stars

As part of the Premier League celebrating five years of Premier League Primary Stars, clubs running the school programme have nominated a "Superstar" - a young person or teacher who has inspired others through their dedication to the scheme, enthusiasm and own personal development.

Harry (Forest Green Rovers)

The playground is the perfect place for youngsters to let off steam but disagreements can quickly arise, especially during a spirited game of football.

One youngster who has been inspired by Forest Green Rovers Community's Premier League Primary Stars programme is 11-year-old Harry, who has introduced a unique way of settling squabbles.

"To help resolve any kinds of disputes that were occurring, Harry came up with the great idea of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'," says Rob Mant, programmes manager at Forest Green Rovers Community.

Harry, a pupil at Rodmarton Primary School, explains: "It's like a primary-school version of a VAR. It has made a huge difference to all the football players. When we just disagree, we go straight into 'Rock, Paper, Scissors.' "

"Primary Stars has really helped me to go forward on to the next steps and try to achieve more things"

PL Primary Stars participant Harry

Harry's desire to reduce conflict is symptomatic of his development since he became involved with Premier League Primary Stars.

"He's gained lots of confidence in his ability to work together with other children - adults as well," says Caroline Musty, headteacher at Rodmarton.

Harry has also made progress in the classroom, making a "phenomenal" improvement with his reading, according to Mant.

And through the school's Ambassador Programme, opportunities have opened up with Forest Green, last season's EFL League Two champions.

Harry has volunteered to read the teamsheet out to the crowd before kick-off, and has led the club's Green Devil mascot around New Lawn Stadium in front of the fans.

"Primary Stars has really helped me to go forward on to the next steps and try to achieve more things," he says.

About PL Primary Stars

Forest Green Rovers are one of 105 professional football clubs from across the leagues that run Premier League Primary Stars sessions in local schools.

It is the second year in which the club have been involved in the programme, which provides teachers and parents with free downloadable resources across a range of curriculum subjects at Key Stage 1 (age 5-7 years) and Key Stage 2 (age 7-11 years).

The resources, which are free, have been developed for teachers by teachers, and in collaboration with experts such as the National Literacy Trust and the PSHE Association.

Visit PLPrimaryStars.com for more information.

Also in this series

Part 1: Premier League celebrates five years of PL Primary Stars
Part 2: William's story (Leicester City)
Part 4: Stephanie's story (Charlton Athletic)
Part 5: Faizan's story (Burnley)
Part 6: Godolphin Academy's story
Part 7: Freya's story (Newport County)
Part 8: Delia's story (Everton)

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