20/10/03 - New ICT Centre opens at Carlisle United

Eric Martlew MP will officially open the new Carlisle United Study Centre at the football club on Friday, 24th October at 6.00pm.  The centre aims to raise ICT, numeracy and literacy skills in pupils aged between 9 and 14 years, by offering pupils the opportunity to experience a range of exciting activities such as digital video editing, making clocks and building robots.  Cumbria County Council, Football Foundation and the Department for education and Skills fund the Study Centre.

Over 80 pupils to date have completed the programme, and around 160 new pupils are half way through their course of study.  John Atkinson, Head teacher of Thomlinson Junior School said 

“The Carlisle United Study Centre ‘Playing for Success’, project is one of the most worthwhile initiatives in which we have been involved.  The children were enthused by their visits to Carlisle United and the programme improved both their performance in key academic areas, and their confidence and commitment.  The staff at the study centre and the football club itself should be congratulated on supporting the community’s children in such a concrete and worthwhile way.  It seems that everyone is a winner with this scheme.’

Phil Holmes, Carlisle United Press Officer said: 

“Carlisle United Football Club are delighted that the Study Centre initiative has been so `successful to date.   The Football Club has a role to play in the community, not only on the pitch but also off it, and are happy that our involvement in this scheme is directly benefiting the children attending the centre.”

Pupils will attend the launch to display their new skills and to talk about the centre.  The launch will be attended by local businessmen, councillors and representatives from the Football Foundation, Department for Education and Skills, Early Years Partnership and the Quality in Study Support Critical Friend Network.

The development of the study centre is part of a national project to encourage young people to take part in voluntary learning activities outside school hours.  Each session is attended by 20 pupils and supported by up to four specially trained mentors.  It is hoped that the scheme will be rolled out to other areas of Cumbria.

Further details may be obtained from the study centre, telephone: (01228) 409528.