LFC Academy U15s launch reading partnership with local school
Liverpool FC Academy U15s visited Kensington Community Primary School to launch a reading partnership which will see youngsters from the Academy help conduct regular reading sessions with children at the school.
The event was a reward for pupils who had entered a competition to write about how they would spend the day with their favourite book character. It also saw the unveiling of renowned children’s author, Helen Moss, as the school’s official patron of reading - a national initiative to build on personal attachments between individual authors and schools to promote reading for pleasure and create a buzz about books.
The lucky winners of the competition were presented certificates by Helen Moss and U15 team members Luis Longstaff, Elijah Dixon Bonner, Curtis Jones and Tom Clayton. The children were then invited to spend time reading their favourite books with the Reds.
The LFC Academy has had a special relationship with the primary school since 2013. Over the last three years, numerous Academy players have visited the school to help develop a ‘reading for pleasure culture’ amongst pupils and officially open the school’s new library.
Headteacher Kitty Davies said: “At Kensington Primary School we value the involvement of the Liverpool FC Academy because the boys are the perfect role models to influence the children's reading. They are demonstrating that they value reading and that it is a key skill in life. The boys demonstrate all the qualities we want from the children that are in our school.”
Helen Moss, Kensington Community Primary School’s patron of reading, added: “I’m thrilled to be the new patron of reading for Kensington Community Primary School.
“As if launching the Patron of Reading scheme wasn’t exciting enough already, it was made even more special by the fact that I was sharing the day with Liverpool Football Club, launching their Reading Partnership Scheme with the school.
“The four young men who came along from LFC Academy made the day incredibly exciting and memorable for the children. What better way to underline the message that reading is a gift to be enjoyed by people of every age and in every walk of life? They were exemplary role models, and they - and LFC - should feel very proud of their contribution.”
Academy director Alex Inglethorpe said: “It is important that our players are involved with locals schools and the wider community with events such as this which are crucial to the players development. Reading is an important life skill so it is great that the boys can help develop the children’s passion for reading. The players are seen as positive role models to the children so it is important that the club back initiatives such as this new reading partnership.”