July 8, 2022
• Wigan Athletics’ U18s squad have supported the Community Trust’s #PLPrimaryStars programme, in partnership with Wigan School Games and the Premier League, as part of their UEFA C Coaching Course
• Players helped organise the school’s football tournament as well as refereed matches for over 200 children
• The UEFA C Coaching Course is designed to not only improve them as players and coaches but to enhance their personal development on and off the pitch
Wigan Athletics’ U18s have progressed on their UEFA C Coaching Course by supporting the running of a #PLPrimaryStars school’s football tournament.
The #PLPrimaryStars programme is designed to increase physical participation and mental wellbeing in primary schools by giving children the opportunity to engage with sport in new and exciting ways and currently reaches over 60 different primary schools throughout the year.
One such way is through our School’s tournament at Stadium Way which last week saw 25 teams take part in the tournament. This tournament also gave the children the chance to meet the next generation of Latics’ stars as the U18s organised and refereed the tournament in between chatting and showing off their skills to the participants.
It gave the Academy players the chance to not only progress in their UEFA C Coaching Course but the opportunity to engage with their community, something defender Steven Sumner was keen to be involved in
“Wigan gave me the opportunity to become a footballer, so I always try and give back to the community,” said Steven “Seeing all the u8s and u9s playing, it’s good to see because that’s what I used to do when I was young.”
The course was being delivered by PFA representative and former professional footballer Hasney Aljofree who was delighted with the player’s engagement with their community and the course.
“It’s a lovely way to finish a course, without your community you’re nothing really.” Said Aljofree “These young scholars who are budding professional footballers, these young kids, they aspire to be like them. And I think today’s been a wonderful example of the club engaging with the community. It’s fantastic to see.”
Mike Hurn, Wigan Athletics’ Head of Education and Welfare was also impressed by his player’s involvement in the tournament and emphasised the importance of the Academy players supporting their community.
“It’s valuable to give the boys these opportunities. We’re preparing them not just for their football careers but also preparing them for life outside of football which is absolutely key for the work we do here at the Academy.”
He added “mixing with the youngsters, mixing with the fan base. We’re really pleased with how it’s gone today, and we look forward to being a part of many future events.”
The sessions also drew the interest of Wigan MP Lisa Nandy who stopped into the session to meet some of the participants on her visit to the Community Trust.
To find out more about the #PLPrimaryStars programme please contact
By Wigan Athletic
