Two partner schools in Leeds have received an exciting boost to their literacy efforts, thanks to a donation from the 49ers Foundation.

Beeston Primary School and Bishop Young Academy were the proud recipients of brand-new book vending machines, part of a wider initiative to inspire a lifelong love of reading among children.

The machines offer a unique and engaging way for pupils to access books, turning reading into an experience to be celebrated and shared. Alongside the vending machines, both schools were also gifted a full year’s supply of books.

“At the Leeds United Foundation, we know how important literacy is to young people in ensuring they can achieve their potential and therefore we were so grateful that the 49ers Foundation donated book vending machines to two of our partner schools in Leeds,” Frances Milner, the Leeds United Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, told LUTV.

“The vending machines are an innovative and fun way to encourage children to read and when we presented them, it was fantastic to see how excited the children were about the vending machines and to be working towards a special token to secure their first book.”

Representatives from both foundations, including Jenna and Mara York, visited the schools to unveil the machines and meet with staff and pupils, who were thrilled to explore the new additions to their learning environments.

49ers Foundation Executive Director Justin Prettyman told LUTV: “The 49ers are thrilled to partner with the Leeds United Foundation to inspire a love of lifelong learning in young people.”

“It was incredibly moving to see the joy on each student’s face at the thought of earning new books from the vending machines through good attendance and grades at school.”

The partnership between the Leeds United Foundation and the 49ers Foundation is built on a shared vision of creating opportunities for young people through sport, education, creativity and care. Together, they aim to continue making a tangible difference in local communities.