On Saturday 22nd September Dave Millberry and Jonathan Wilson from Oldbury Park Tigers, accompanied by Lee Dunn from Dines Green Primary School travelled to London to a prestigious dinner to receive a national award. Oldbury Park Tigers had completed a school-club link coaching programme with Dines Green Primary School over a six week period and had been nominated for one of the inaugural e-on innovation awards in the Urban Sounds category. As part of the project all children took part in a Football Festival and received certificates from the club.
The coaching programme was delivered for two age groups at the school, linked back to the club’s Sunday morning coaching centre. As a result of the project many children have now joined the club from the school who would not otherwise be playing regular football. An excellent relationship has also developed between the school and club with equipment being shared and pitches at the school now regularly being used for club coaching and matches. The project was delivered by coaches from the club and supported by the WFA Development Team.
Andy Norman, WFA County Development Manager said, ‘This was a wonderful achievement by Oldbury Park Tigers to develop football activity at the school and ensure many of the children are playing regularly. I would like to thank the school, but in particular Lee Dunn and all the club volunteers for their excellent work. Special mention should be made of Pat Clark, who was unable to travel to the Awards and other coaches who included Siobhan Vennard and Shane Watton.’
It doesn’t stop there! Lee Dunn will be coaching children at the school on Tuesdays after school, and the WFA will be running a girls only group. In addition Oldbury Park Tigers will be coaching the younger children with WFA support. All children will be given the opportunity to join the Tigers so they can participate in regular club activities.
If you are interested in getting involved in the school club link programme please contact one of the Development Officers at the WFA.
PHOTO SHOWS: -
Lee Dunn – Dines Green Primary School
Johnathon Wilson – Oldbury Park Tigers
Andy Norman – WFA
Dave Millberry – Oldbury Park Tigers