Foundation launch diversity project during Black History Month

Foundation launch diversity project during Black History Month

Premier League Primary Stars team create literacy and art programme entitled Write Back Where We Belong.

The Leeds United Foundation have launched a brand-new Premier League Primary Stars project to help celebrate Black History Month and educate youngsters on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Coaches from the club’s official charity are working with students at Kirkstall Valley Primary School to use the power of the Premier League values along with the appeal of Leeds United to deliver a six-week programme that explores backgrounds, family connections and different cultures.

With the support of Tom Palmer, a local children’s author, and school teacher and artist, Burley Banksy, a series of workshops will be delivered to the young pupils combining the subjects of literary and art to identify, illustrate and celebrate diversity withing the school, their local area and the city of Leeds.

The scheme of work, which has been entitled ‘Write Back Where We Belong’ to offer further inspiration for the project following the club’s return to the top flight, will provide the Year 6 students with the opportunity to share stories around their upbringing and family history, taking us on their own individual journeys through storytelling and illustrations.

Tom Palmer, avid Leeds United supporter and children’s author, said: “This project is going to be brilliant and really show off the diversity within Leeds at its very best. Week one was all about exploring family links and giving pupils the opportunity to tell their stories of extraordinary backgrounds and their strong feelings of belonging to our amazing city.

“It’s also been great to see first-hand the support for the club throughout the school, with the children having a really good understanding of how we want to celebrate and promote diversity. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the project unfolds over the next six weeks.”

Phil Robinson, Headteacher at Kirkstall Valley Primary School, added: “There is a real sense of belonging within our school community and this project is such an amazing opportunity for us to explore together and celebrate our many heritages.

“We’re massive fans of Tom Palmer and Burley Banksy so having them involved and lead on the project alongside the coaches at the Foundation for such a big club like Leeds United is beyond exciting.”

If you would like more information on the project or the Premier League Primary Stars programme, please contact Mathew.Everett@leedsunited.com.

For more information on how the Premier League are celebrating Black History Month, please click here.

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