Students sign up to Leeds United Foundation initiative

The Leeds United Foundation works alongside a number of schools in the city.

A select group of students from a local secondary school were recently given a guided tour of Elland Road, as part of their ongoing behavioural intervention work being done through the Leeds United Foundation.

Outwood Academy Hemsworth is just one of a number of schools in the city to partner with the club’s official charity, with an on-site member of Foundation staff working alongside students to provide additional support and help them achieve their goals.

Aimed at a group who have struggled with attendance, behaviour and other school-related issues previously, those who visited the stadium signed ‘contracts’, which included a set of basic rules such as keeping on task during lessons, uniform requirements and punctuality targets.

Andy Wormald, Behaviour and Attendance Officer at the Foundation, said:

“The selected few students didn’t necessarily get it right last year, so we are looking at different ways to provide them success in their education.

“This includes rewards, goals, how we can help them achieve what they want to by getting them in school and making sure they are able to try and be the best versions of themselves. We have got parents involved in the signing of the contracts today to help get those messages across.

“There will be some fantastic opportunities throughout the year for the students. There are some big changes to be made and there will be some great success stories, because I am confident they are capable of turning things around.”

Kate Howarth, Assistant Principal at Outwood Academy Hemsworth, added:

“It is an amazing opportunity to work with this group of students. This is a joint project between the Leeds United Foundation, our academy, the students and their families. Getting everybody on board and behind these students shows them how much they can achieve if they make those changes they need. It will hopefully set them on a really good path to achieve the goals that they are setting.

“It is an amazing thing for them to come here and see all the facilities at Leeds United. It gets them thinking about their aspirations and their goals and the big picture, not just thinking about where they are now in their school year, but where they want to go and what they want to achieve.”

More about the Leeds United Foundation Secondary Education programmes can be found on their website.