‘Full Back’ will use the power of sport to boost the educational engagement of young people in care.
Working with the County Council's Virtual schools Kic.in2.study programme, the Study Centre will deliver a varied programme designed to boost self-esteem and offer opportunities that may not be available to youngsters elsewhere. Activities include ICT work, behind-the-scenes tours of the Franklin’s Gardens stadium, rock climbing and archery, trampolining and go karting.
‘Full Back’ has already had its first intake, who have come from a number of schools across Northampton, and Study Centre manager Pete Austen says that he has been generally encouraged by the way the young people have approached the activities.
“The ‘Full Back’ course has been both challenging and rewarding,” he said. “We’ve all learned an awful lot from our first programme. We’ve had to tailor what we do to the specific group, finding what best suits their dynamic and enables them to realise the benefits of education.
“The experience has certainly been beneficial to staff and students, and we look forward to the next group joining us in the summer term.”
Councillor Catherine Boardman, cabinet member of children, families and education added: “For a lot of complex reasons, children and young people in care experience disruption to their education.
“The ‘Full Back’ programme aims to re-engage students with education by providing a bespoke programme of activities in the positive and inspirational environment of Franklin’s Gardens.
“We hope to raise the self esteem, confidence and resilience of the students and give them transferable skills to help them succeed in the classroom.”
‘Full Back’ is just the latest programme at Franklin's Gardens to support youngsters, following in the footsteps of HITZ Northampton and the club's award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which is about to be re-launched in partnership with Northampton College.
For more information head to www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/community
