CARLO NASH REWARDS READING STARS

Monday 28 September 2009, 15:31
by Suzie Parker @YourEverton

Carlo Nash rewarded five pupils from Gwladys Street Primary School in Walton as part of the Premier League Reading Stars initiative.

For the past five weeks pupils from Gwladys Street Primary School have been attending Spellow Lane Library to participate in the Premier League Reading Stars programme to improve their reading skills. To mark their success, Carlo presented the pupils with certificates of achievement at the school on Walton Lane on Monday 28th September.

The Premier League Reading Stars programme is an educational project that harnesses the motivational power of football to encourage families to enjoy reading. It targets those hard to reach groups in society who may not have shown an interest in reading, but who do have a passion for football.

Everton adopted Spellow Lane Library in Walton to host the reading clubs, which are based on the book choices of all 20 Premier League Reading Stars. Both children and parents attend the reading club on a Saturday morning.

Gwladys Street Primary School Headteacher, Kate Maunder, said: “The pupils’ reading skills have improved significantly thanks to the Premier League Reading Stars scheme. It is a fantastic way to really engage young people and encourage them to read. I would like to thank Carlo for helping us to mark their achievement.”

Everton has been involved with the Premier League Reading Stars scheme since it began in 2003, which has encouraged 560 parents and children in Merseyside to take part in the reading groups. Current Reading Star Carlo, who has written books of his own, said: “It’s great to see children taking a real interest in reading. I am delighted to be a part of this scheme and to celebrate the success of the pupils here today.”

Premier League Reading Stars is a unique partnership between the Football Foundation, Premier League, National Literacy Trust and Arts Council England.