EFL CLUBS FIT THE BILL

More than 30,000 children will be taught about the importance of parliament and democracy by eight EFL clubs based in Yorkshire, thanks to an innovative partnership between the EFL Trust and Parliament Education Service.

For the second year running, the eight clubs, including promotion hopefuls Leeds United and Sheffield United, from the Championship and League One, will use the power of football to engage primary and secondary students in the work that Parliament do and why it’s relevant to them.

The Club’s Community Trusts will visit over 100 schools in the next three months to talk about parliament, politics and democracy through the themes of gamesmanship, rule-making and active citizenship.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations at the EFL Trust, said: “It’s not immediately obvious why football is teaching children about the democratic process. Football clubs are based at the heart of their communities and the power of the club badge within that community means children are often prepared to listen when coaches and players visit schools.

“In the current political environment it is vitally important that children understand the importance of a democratic process, parliament, and why it is relevant to them. This is why we are delighted to once again to be working with Parliament Education Service to deliver these key messages to young people.”

David Clark, Senior Manager from the Parliament Education Service, commented: “Supporting young people to discover, consider, and engage with the work of their Parliament is at the heart of what Parliament’s Education Service do. We are committed to reaching new audiences so teaming up with the EFL Trust, whose clubs have such great community links, helps us do just that.”

The participating clubs are:

  • Barnsley
  • Doncaster Rovers
  • Huddersfield Town
  • Leeds United
  • Grimsby Town
  • Rotherham United
  • Sheffield United
  • Scunthorpe United

From teacher training, to school visits, find out more about the great range of free resources, support and school trips Parliament’s Education Service offer: http://www.parliament.uk/education/