Inspire Football scheme proves a winner
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
16/04/2008
Joint initiative hailed a success
An innovative programme that aims to inspire teenage boys to attend school through the power of football has scored some breathtaking results.
The Inspire Football project, a scheme ran by H&F Council’s School Sports Partnership (SSP) and Queens Park Rangers Football Club, was launched in January with the intention of helping 24 15 and 16 year-old boys from Burlington Danes Academy who, at the time, had poor attendance records and struggled in punctuality and attention to learning in English, Maths and Science.
And the project has been declared a resounding success for those involved. For example, Luke Kelly, has had just one day off school since taking part in the scheme, compared to a staggering 51 whole days truanting between September and December last year. Another pupil, Paul Palacios, has also only been off school for one day since taking part in the scheme, compared to 17 whole days beforehand.
The scheme saw coaches from QPR train the youngsters from 7am to 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday over a ten week period. In return, the pupils received a free healthy breakfast before attending their 8.30am lessons. Weekly targets were set for the teenagers and those who met them received free tickets to QPR home games.
Cllr Antony Lillis, Cabinet Member for Community and Children’s Services, said: "The Inspire Football project really has been a wonderful success. The results are nothing short of staggering and credit must be given to our School Sports Partnership and QPR. I am sure that the pupils who took part in the scheme found it hugely enjoyable and worthwhile and gained many positive experiences that they will be able to take into their future."
Luke Kelly, said: "Inspire Football has helped me get focused and disciplined as I have to get up at 6.00am every morning to go to football training at school, and then on to my lessons. It's also helped me feel part of a team and make better relationships with my school friends. I am now getting ready to take my GCSE's and look forward to going to college in September. "
Inspire Football culminated this week with those pupils who showed a marked improvement in their attendance, punctuality and attitude to learning taking part in an ‘Elite Football Development Camp’ where they will get the chance to experience the life of a young apprentice football player.
The camp consists of twice daily football training sessions from QPR coaches, a session with QPR’s goalkeeper, Lee Camp, a tour of the Loftus Road stadium, a match against a competitive youth team, an on-pitch half time presentation during QPR’s match with Charlton Athletic on Saturday 19 April and free GCSE revision sessions.
Keith Miller, Burlington Danes Academy Acting Principle, said "Inspire Football has been key to raising standards of our pupils by improving their attendance, punctuality and attitude to learning in their lessons. QPR FC have made a valuable contribution to the live's of these young people and I can only hope that this project serves as a reflection of the power that professional football clubs have in raising standards in our school".
- Carlos Munoz, Inspire Football Creator, "I am delighted to have worked with Queens Park Rangers FC in shaping and directing the Inspire Football Project. The programme has made a dramatic impact on the lives of these young people through football. I want the Inspire Football project to be held up as an example for other professional football clubs and schools sports partnerships of the potential impact they can have in raising standards in schools through football".
