As another academic year comes to an end, we are proud to reflect on another successful year of Premier League Primary Stars delivery across Hartlepool and the surrounding area.
Premier League Primary Stars uses the power of football to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills, and throughout 2025/26 we have worked alongside schools across Hartlepool and Billingham to make a real difference both in and out of the classroom.
This year, we successfully achieved all of our programme targets, exceeding our goals for competitions and sports days, while delivering a wide range of activities including Upskilling the Teacher, teacher CPD, girls-only football, themed workshops, Projects for Positive Change, English, Maths and PSHE interventions, competitions, sports days and targeted football sessions within specialist schools.
Across the programme:
- 14 schools took part in Premier League Primary Stars.
- 35 teachers were supported through Upskilling the Teacher and teacher CPD.
- Almost 400 pupils participated in regular activities.
- A further 655 children took part in one-off events.
- Over 200 girls engaged in our regular delivery.
The impact of the programme has been reflected in the feedback received from pupils and schools. Our surveys showed that:
- 100% of pupils said they felt safe, belonged and felt inspired and engaged during sessions.
- 81% reported an increase in confidence.
- 77% felt they had developed their skills and knowledge.
One teacher whose pupils took part in our English intervention programme said:
“When the opportunity arose for some of my pupils to take part in an English intervention with Vicki from Hartlepool United, I must admit I wasn’t sure how it would go…honestly what a fantastic programme. Engaging pupils in English lessons by using something they’re interested in (for this group it’s definitely football) is one thing, but for those children to have the opportunity to work with staff from Hartlepool United was incredible for them and I could not be more pleased with how much they gained from it, and how much they enjoyed it.”
This year also saw us continue to strengthen our work with schools that need us most. We delivered targeted interventions for pupils requiring additional support, expanded our work within specialist primary schools and continued to provide opportunities for girls to participate in football through our girls-only provision. Alongside this, our Projects for Positive Change and themed workshops encouraged children to develop confidence, teamwork, communication and respect both inside and outside the classroom.
None of this would have been possible without the fantastic support of our partner schools, the Premier League, Premier League Charitable Fund, National League Trust and Hartlepool United Football Club. We would also like to thank our dedicated staff team, apprentices and volunteers, whose passion and commitment have helped make this another successful year.
As we look ahead to 2026/27, we are excited to continue building on this year’s success, strengthening our partnerships with schools and creating even more opportunities for children across Hartlepool to learn, be active and thrive through the power of football.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of another fantastic year of Premier League Primary Stars. We can’t wait to get started again in September!
