The Premier League is bringing digital learning programs and soccer-themed student engagement activities to elementary schools in the United States.
Premier League Primary Stars USA will be made available to more than 100 schools across five cities from January 2019.
The educational initiative is based on Premier League Primary Stars, which was launched in the United Kingdom in 2017 and engages more than 16,000 primary schools (elementary schools in the US) with its free-to-download curriculum-linked teaching resources, supported by all 20 Premier League clubs.
Suited for US curriculum
This program has been adapted for the US curriculum to provide new, exciting resources to support teachers in core education areas.
Premier League Primary Stars USA will offer schools free-to-use teaching resources.
The materials will be available to download and will focus on three core areas: health and wellness; social learning; and digital citizenship.
All resources align with curriculum standards and can be used in school computer labs or at home.
In this initial year of implementation, the program will be made available to select schools in Atlanta, Boston, New York, San Diego and Tampa Bay.
What a day in the USA! The PL is very excited to announce it is bringing its Primary Stars education program to the US. pic.twitter.com/q74jA8qgS5
— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) December 7, 2018
To celebrate the announcement, the League hosted a special Premier League Primary Stars USA session at PS 254 Dag Hammarskjold School, in Brooklyn, NY.
League representatives and coaches from Leicester City joined club mascots to provide students with a preview of the programme in action.
"The Premier League and our clubs place great importance on engaging and inspiring communities," Premier League Managing Director Richard Masters said.
"Premier League Primary Stars has been a huge success in the UK, where we have seen the power football has to engage children in learning.
"We are excited to now extend this program to the US with bespoke teaching resources which are designed to inspire children to learn and develop important life skills."
"We have seen the power football has to engage children in learning"
Leading education technology provider EVERFI will support the development of the program's educational materials and help establish Premier League Primary Stars USA.
The League plans to work closely with teachers and education providers to continue to develop the program's offer and extend its reach.
"The Premier League has long been a champion of education opportunity and this program extends that same mission to help educate American students on a number of critically important topics," said EVERFI Global Chief Marketing Officer Brian Cooley said.
"Helping elementary school students learn about healthy and active lifestyles, while encouraging them to be compassionate and empathetic will be a fantastic complement to their in-school curriculum."
The session took place ahead of the Premier League and NBC Sports' latest Premier League Mornings Live show in New York. From 06:00 ET on 8 December fans can join the NBC Sports' "Premier League Mornings" studio team as they broadcast live from South Street Seaport.
