Five years of PL Primary Stars: Delia's story

As part of the Premier League celebrating five years of Premier League Primary Stars, clubs running the school programme have nominated a "Superstar" - a young person or teacher who has inspired others through their dedication to the scheme, enthusiasm and own personal development.

Delia (Everton)

For any young person, having positive role models to help guide them in the right direction, providing inspiration and support, is crucial.

Delia O'Neill has emerged as a key figurehead to youngsters at the Holy Trinity Primary School in Liverpool, after working with the Premier League Primary Stars programme and Everton in the Community (EITC).

"Our school got involved with Premier League Primary Stars because we wanted the PE provision in the school to improve and to be a higher standard," says Delia. 

"I would not say I was very confident at teaching PE, but with the planning and the structure that they've put in place, they've really made me feel that I'm now delivering much higher-quality lessons which ultimately helps our children, which is what we're all here for."

Thomas is one of the many pupils to have benefited from Delia's improved confidence and different methods of delivering PE sessions.

"Since Everton have come in it's had a massive effect on her PE lessons," he says. "She inspires the kids that are coming through the years and she's very supportive, and if you need help then she'll give you that help.

Holy Trinity now delivers sessions three days a week with the support from EITC, both in the classroom with English interventions and maths interventions, along with physical activities outside.

"We've also done a lot of workshops on racism and LGBTQ+ - that's because of how much Delia has valued the programme with us," says Elena Barton, sports coach at EITC.

"Delia has been selected as Everton in the Community's Premier League Primary Stars ‘Superstar’ because she has really developed and embedded herself in the programme in so many ways."

Positive progress

Holy Trinity and Delia have been working with EITC and Premier League Primary Stars for over five years and their positive relationship continues to pay off.

The school reached gold level in the Liverpool Reading Quality Mark, an award that recognises the efforts made in promoting the joy of reading among their pupils.

"The programme has been so successful that it has just grown and grown," adds Delia. "We are now a flagship school for Everton."

Visit PLPrimaryStars.com for more information.

Also in this series

Part 1: Premier League celebrates five years of Primary Stars
Part 2: William's story (Leicester City)
Part 3: Harry's story (Forest Green Rovers)
Part 4: Stephanie's story (Charlton Athletic)
Part 5: Faizan's story (Burnley)
Part 6: The Godolphin Junior Academy's story (Slough)
Part 7: Freya's story (Newport County)