MK Dons Sport & Education Trust in partnership with Milton Keynes Council Extended Services and the Department for Children Schools & Families (DCSF) is bringing an exciting new learning initiative known as 'Double Club' to Milton Keynes.
Double Club is a highly successful educational initiative which began with Arsenal FC nine years ago and combines curriculum time football themed lessons in a 'double' session to include football coaching.
The Radcliffe School are the first to be involved with this pilot; to be followed in the autumn term by additional secondary schools. A Dons 'branded' learning space has been set up at the school to be used for classroom sessions providing the necessary 'wow' factor. Pupils have also been given Dons football kit to identify them as learning champions for the scheme to wear both in the classroom and on the football pitch.
Twelve Year 8 pupils have been selected to take part in the 40-hour programme, which uses football to brush up on their literacy skills.
John Cove Chief Executive MK Dons Sport & Education Trust said: "This is another example of the wonderful working relationship between MK Dons Sport and Education Trust, MK Council and Schools.
"It shows how powerful football and sport is in helping to raise standards of attainment and achievement - something that we hope to continue throughout the Borough."
The Double Club programme has been successfully used to engage students in a variety of curriculum areas including modern foreign languages, numeracy and literacy. Incentives and rewards are provided for the pupils in the form of visits to stadiummk and the Emirates Stadium in London, study sessions in the MK Dons Playing for Success Centre and match tickets to attend the forthcoming England Under-21 international at stadiummk.
The programme culminates in a potential football tournament at the Emirates where MK Dons Double Club compete against kids from other Double Clubs like those at Fulham, Northampton Town, West Ham United and Arsenal.
The launch event next Friday will be attended by John Cove Chief Executive MK Dons Sport & Education Trust, a first team player from MK Don, representatives from Arsenal and local dignitaries who will see a taster session in progress as well as the official launch.
