"This program is not just for the children that have the need, it鈥檚 for educating those that don鈥檛鈥"
The new Super Movers for Every Body campaign from the 大象传媒, the Premier League and ParalympicsGB is a great way for primary schools to learn about inclusivity and allyship in sport.
West Ham United's Vladim铆r Coufal visited an East London school to take part in an inclusive Super Movers session, and discuss the importance of teamwork and allyship in sport along with the school's Head of Primary, Bradley David:
Bradley David: I think if you spoke to a lot of children and said: 'Oh, if you're blind, do you think you can play football?' I think a lot of them would say 'no'鈥
V/O: The West Ham Foundation put on a very special inclusive day for pupils in an East London school. The day centred all around one of the Super Movers for Every Body initiative's main theme: allyship.
The children got started on a classroom activity, designing football shirts. The students were then surprised by somebody who is used to wearing the West Ham shirt.
V/O: The footballer spoke about the importance of allyship in the classroom as well as on the football pitch.
Vladim铆r Coufal: To be a good teammate is a very important role. You know, you have to take care of all your friends. You have to build your relationship with your mates and you have to create some connectivity between the people and stuff like this. So I think it鈥檚 for the kids and even for adults it鈥檚 very, very important.
V/O: Shirts completed the children, went outside to try some inclusive sports.
V/O: Their classmates shouted out instructions for those who were blindfolded. Communication is one of the key elements in blind football. We all know sport can bring people together, remove barriers and really create that sense of allyship and inclusivity, something that headteacher Bradley David understands the importance of, when bringing to a classroom.
Bradley David: Allyship is so important because the world is a tough place and we don't want people to be isolated. We want children to be able to have support of their peers around them. Inclusivity is so important in schools.
We want to strive for everyone, no matter their background, circumstances, needs鈥 to be able to have the same opportunities.
I think if you spoke to a lot of children and said: 'Oh, if you're blind, do you think you can play football?' I think a lot of them would say 'no'. And then being able to experience how that鈥檚 possible鈥 This program is not just for the children that have the need, it鈥檚 for educating those that don鈥檛, so that they know about the importance of inclusivity and learning those sports so that they can play with friends that need their support.
Over the past few months, more than 100 Premier League and English Football League clubs have been hosting inclusive sport sessions at primary schools to celebrate the launch of the 大象传媒's new inclusive sport campaign, Super Movers for Every Body.
Recently, the children at Bobby Moore Academy had an exciting, fun-filled day organised by Premier League Primary Stars and the West Ham United Foundation, which incorporated Super Movers for Every Body sport activities, and focused on the theme of 'sporting allyship'.
The Premier League Primary Stars programme delivers inspiring sessions covering various topics to primary schools in England and Wales, using the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs.
The Academy's children were treated to a very special surprise when West Ham United player Coufal entered the room. Everyone had the chance to try out blind football and Para athletics, while learning the value of allyship through teamwork - a great way for primary school pupils to understand how they can best support one another.
Speaking at the end of an inspiring day, Bradley David said:
"I think if you spoke to a lot of children and said: 'Oh if you're blind, do you think you can play football?', I think a lot of them would say 'no'. And then being able to experience how that鈥檚 possible鈥 This program is not just for the children that have the need. It鈥檚 for educating those that don鈥檛, so that they know about the importance of inclusivity, and learning those sports so that they can play with friends that need their support."
Super Movers for Every Body has released 18 exciting and inclusive PE and sport activities that teach children aged 5-11 the skills required to play the Paralympic sports blind football, boccia, shot put, javelin and guided running.
Alongside this, children can explore the theme of disability allyship with Blue Peter presenter Shini Muthukrishnan in the Super Movers What is allyship? teaching and learning resource. Shini hears from Paralympians David Smith, Claire Taggart, Hollie Arnold and Funmi Oduwaiye, and discusses the importance of making people feel included.
As Shini explains:
"If you want to be an ally, a great time to practise this is when you鈥檙e taking part in sport. Whether you鈥檙e on the pitch, the ball court or the playing field, there are lots of opportunities to show people around you that you鈥檙e there to support them."
