Returning to the classroom for many schoolchildren last month after the enforced break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would have been a daunting experience.
To help that transition, clubs have been using the Premier League Primary Stars programme in schools across the country.
Weston Park Primary in Southampton is one of 15 schools where the Saints Foundation is back providing support in Maths, English, Physical Education (PE) and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE).
The socially distanced sessions help the children to engage with the curriculum again, with a focus on PSHE at the request of the schools at this challenging time.
'Great opportunity'
"It's amazing to be back in school for both myself and the team after what was such a long gap," says Tim Stevens, the Foundation's Primary Stars co-ordinatior.
"It has given us a great opportunity to refresh our ideas and make positive change with those students who need us during this tricky period.
"It's important we focus on our students' wellbeing after a long gap away from class and we are looking to get them back into a routine of normality that will aid them in their learning during these ever-so-important years of education."
Saints Foundation have been working with Weston Park for the last two years and back in March, they celebrated the impact that the Primary Stars programme and coach Adam McWilliam have made at the school.
Saints Foundation celebrate Weston Park partnership
"Adam and the Saints Foundation have had a huge impact on our school," says headteacher James Wiltshire.
"The after-school clubs are a really good opportunity for targeted children, where we are able to really focus on individuals and offer a free opportunity for those children to continue their education in PE after school."
