Swansea City AFC Foundation deliver over 250 free books for World Book Day
Swansea City AFC Foundation has given over 250 free books and 50 WHSmith vouchers to six primary schools in the local area to celebrate World Book Day (Thursday, March 3).
The initiative aims to support young readers as part of an exciting partnership between Premier League Primary Stars and the National Literacy Trust.
The partnership has enabled 27,000 free books to be distributed to schools across England and Wales via 81 community organisations affiliated to professional football clubs, all of whom deliver the Premier League Primary Stars education programme.
National Literacy Trust research found that children who own their own books are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading. Lockdowns have made it difficult for children to access physical books because of school and public library closures, so getting copies of books into the hands of children is more vital than ever.
Since the launch of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme in 2016, the Premier League has distributed 152,000 free books to schoolchildren.
Curtis Grant, education manager at Swansea City AFC Foundation said: “World Book Day is an event we have always been passionate about celebrating at the Swansea City AFC Foundation. By combining the appeal of our professional club with our strong presence of positive role models throughout our partner schools, we feel we can make a huge impact to pupils’ attitudes towards reading.
“On Premier League Primary Stars, we have teamed up with the National Literacy Trust for a number of years and the partnership really supports our aim of developing pupils' love of reading through sport.
"This year, they have provided us with over 250 free books to share with schools and pupils that may be less fortunate and not own so many exciting books. The scheme has gone down as a massive success again.”
Swansea City club ambassador Lee Trundle joined the Foundation in delivering the free books and vouchers on World Book Day to local schools.
Trundle, who published his own autobiography in 2010, spoke to the Primary Stars participants about the importance of reading, as well as taking time to sign the books they received on the day.
Jim Sells, sport and literacy programme manager at the National Literacy Trust added: “World Book Day celebrates the power and joy of reading. We know that children who have books at home do better in school, so we are delighted to be able to distribute such an incredible number of books and vouchers to schools across the country, with the help of the community organisations at 81 brilliant football clubs.
"For this year’s World Book Day, we are challenging as many pupils as possible to join their local library, gaining a lifelong access to books and reading for free! I’d like to thank our partners at World Book Day, WHSmith and Walker Books for making this possible."
To download a free copy of 'Football School: Terrific Teams', and to access football-themed activities visit: wordsforlife.org.uk/premierleague.
