The two England players joined in to lend a helping hand as pupils from Emerson Valley School in Milton Keynes and Manchester-based Charlestown Community Primary School were busy taking part in classes from the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme. 

 

The programme that aims to inspire and unite schools and communities to grow the women’s game, gives teachers across the country access to a digital pack, consisting of free, cross-curricular resources all themed around the UEFA Women’s EURO.

 

Stokes and Williamson, who dialled in virtually to the lessons, not only got the 9-11 year-old pupils excited about meeting the star women’s players, but also helped them crack some of the Schools Programme challenges, such as designing a kit, preparing a half time team talk and researching some of the icons of the game, all before answering their questions about the upcoming tournament. 

 

Demi Stokes who surprised Charlestown Community Primary School based just a few miles from her club Manchester City, said “It was great to surprise the school kids and host a class all about the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. It’s important they’re able to learn more about women’s football and be inspired to take part in this massive tournament in some way. The opening match is in their hometown of Manchester and I know their school has a group booking of tickets for it, so I hope we make it an incredible experience for them all!’

 

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Schools Programme resources are suited for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 [8-14 years of age] and have been developed and tested by teachers to encourage teamwork, creativity and a love of sport. The activities, which cover subjects including PE, English, Maths, PSHE [Personal, Social, Health and Economic education], Science and Art & Design, can be differentiated for pupils of varied abilities or with SEND and can be used in the classroom or at home.

 

The resources fit in with the school curriculum and include an array of activities and tips from how to run a EURO themed assembly to challenge packs consisting of 23 activities, such as making a mini stadium out of recycled materials and preparing a motivational speech as a team captain. Pupils will be able to fill out a tournament time journal as well as take on the role of organisers with creating their own Fan Zone.    

 

As part of the programme, one lucky school that downloads the resources will also win a Q&A session with one of the England stars playing in the tournament, while other top prizes will be given out to schools in the lead-up to the first match on 6 July.

 

Milton Keynes born Leah Williamson who surprised her hometown School, Emerson Valley said, “Many of us players discovered our love for football at school, so we know first-hand what an important role teachers play when it comes to instilling a passion for the game and developing the skills we need.

 

To download the resources, and stand a chance of winning a Q&A with an England player, as well as many other prizes, visit www.weuro2022schools.com. 

 

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 takes place in England in July and is due to be the biggest European women’s sport event in history. 16 nations will compete across 10 venues, in nine host cities, all kicking off on 6 July at Old Trafford, with the final at Wembley Stadium on 31 July.   

 

Schools can purchase group tickets for UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 up to 8 February, using code SCHOOLS www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing/.