Pupils in four Milton Keynes primary schools have been challenged to read 100 books in a term as part of the Playing on Words initiative which has been launched by Milton Keynes Council and the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust.

Barleyhurst Park, Giffard Park, Holne Chase and New Bradwell primary schools are the first to embark on the challenge, which will also see them take on other activities to improve literacy skills such as rewriting the ending of their favourite book, interviewing a Dons player or writing a match report.

Almost 100 pupils attended the Play on Words launch in the Ballroom at the stadiummk on Friday. They were joined by team mascots Donnie and Mooie, and the Dons' Community Ambassador Paul Mitchell who is backing the scheme.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Mitchell said: "Reading is something that everyone should enjoy. It doesn't matter how, where or what you read - there are no limits. This is a fantastic scheme and I really hope the children embrace the challenge."

Youngsters at stadiummk launch the Play on Words initiative.

 

Play on Words is an extension of the highly successful Playing for Success (PfS) initiative which based at the stadium:mk and uses football as a theme to engage children in learning. PfS Centre Manager Angie Warde said: "Playing for Success has shown us that there is a real appetite for children to learn in more exciting and innovative ways. Play on Words will do that by encouraging pupils to not only read as many books as they can, but embrace them by learning to link reading to other parts of their life that they enjoy, such as football or dance, so it becomes a pleasure and not 'work'."

Play on Words is a pilot, which if successful may lead to an established programme that can be rolled out to schools across MK.