A group of Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Sugar Hill Primary School have been attending the ‘Tackle It’ programme over a period of ten weeks. Nine weeks based in school with Christian Taylor from the Foundation of Light at Sunderland FC and Belinda Atkinson-Jones Social Learning Mentor at Sugar Hill.

The children have been working on communication skills, listening skills and problem solving. They have done this by taking part in creative activities and physical exercises. This programme has given pupils the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen relationships, work as part of a team, prove their resilience and develop leadership skills. The programme culminated in a fun packed visit for all involved to Sunderland F.C Stadium. What an amazing day! Pupils participated in team work activities and a water workshop! Certificate presentations were followed by a football match and penalty shoot out on the roof top astro-turf pitch. The children were then taken around the stadium where they visited the away and home teams changing rooms, experiencing the walk through the tunnel onto the pitch and being able to sit where the manager and players are seated during matches. Mrs Atkinson Jones and Miss Brister accompanied the pupils on the visit. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day and Miss Brister commented, ‘That was the best school visit ever!’

Prizes were awarded to

Isaac Proctor – All round superstar, thoughtful, kind and caring.

Sam Heath – Grown in confidence.

Jack Mason – For his resilience.

Staff and pupils would like to say a huge thank you to Christian, for leading the programme and to Jas who organised this successful intervention at Sugar Hill Primary.