New ICT Study Centre opens in Carlisle

Cumbria Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership has teamed up with Carlisle United Football Club to open a Study Centre at the Club to raise literacy and numeracy skills of local children up to the age of 16. 

Up to 20 pupils can use the new centre at a time and football players from the Club will mentor and encourage the youngsters throughout their 10 week course and present them with achievement certificates at the end. The latest ICT will be available to children using the centre. 

The first children to benefit from the 'Playing for Success' project will be from Thomlinson Junior School in Wigton and Newtown Community School in Carlisle. 

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says 

"This is a very effective way to encourage children to take up learning opportunities if we tune into their interests, such as football, in an environment other than their local school. The 'Playing for Success' project is entirely consistent with the Council's priority for working in partnership with other interested parties to support projects that aim to raise educational standards for all young people in the area. I am delighted that we have been able to make a contribution to the scheme and I wish it every success." 

Margaret Watson, Study Support Co-ordinator for the project says 

"Working closely with the football club we want to encourage and support the children of Cumbria to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Projects in other areas of the country have had great success in motivating children to learn." 

Phil Holmes, Carlisle United Press Officer says 

"Carlisle United were only too happy to get involved in such a forward thinking and dynamic scheme. It is hoped that our involvement in the "Playing for success" project will help contribute to the long term education of the children who take part in the courses." 

There will be a photo opportunity with children participating in the Playing for Success project and the Carlisle United football team at 3.00pm on Tuesday 11 March 2003 in the new Study Support Centre at Carlisle United.