For many children across the country, a lack of access to computer equipment makes it difficult to engage with home learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To help support families in Southampton, former Saints striker James Beattie has donated tablet devices to a local school.
Beattie came forward to offer his help to the Saints Foundation, and it put him in touch with St Mary's CE Primary School, a school neighbouring St Mary's Stadium that the club work with in delivering the Premier League Primary Stars programme.
'Huge difference'
"During this lockdown, we've needed to make sure that children who are not in school can access the internet," St Mary's interim headteacher Sandra Miller told the club's official website.
"Being in the backyard of St Mary's Stadium, we sought out the support of Saints Foundation and were delighted when they connected us with James. His kind offer of 10 iPads will make a huge difference in supporting our pupils."
Beattie, who scored 68 goals across 204 Premier League appearances for Southampton, said he was determined to help youngsters in the local area.
"It's obvious that so many schools and children across the city and beyond need support at the moment, so I'm really pleased to be able to help in some way," he says.
"To be able to contribute gives me so much fulfilment, and, most importantly, I really hope that the donation helps those most in need to continue with their learning."
NHS support
This is one of the ways that the Saints Foundation has been helping out their local community during the pandemic.
Volunteers have been working with Solent NHS Trust to support the rollout of the city's vaccination programme, while the Foundation has also partnered with the Trust to pool their expertise to promote health and wellbeing across the local community.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa have also been providing local schools with additional laptops so pupils can log on for lessons.
