Playing For Success, a Success for Carshalton Girls

9.03.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 6th May 2008

Playing for Success boosts students’ performance

On 28 April, Playing for Success at Tooting and Mitcham United FC held a high profile event at the Club to promote the Playing for Success programme in which Carshalton Girls' pupils are key players. Cllr Brett-Young and Tom Brake MP from Sutton were some of the attendees.

The programme, started only eight years ago by three Premier League clubs, is now supported by over 100 clubs in sports ranging from rugby union to gymnastics across England.

The programme aims to provide out-of-school-hours learning for young people, using sports as a means of motivation. The local programme, sponsored by Tooting and Mitcham FC, is for the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton, with the Study Support Centre housed in the Club's Boardroom at the top of the stand overlooking the pitch.

Each course runs for eighteen hours over six weeks with the main activities inspired by the theme of football and physical activity, and culminates with an awards ceremony to celebrate pupil achievements. Every student receives a certificate and prizes, with additional prizes given out for great work and positive attitudes.

Commenting after his guided tour of the facilities, Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington said, "This is an outstanding programme with a proven track record of success across the country. I think it's great that a local club like Tooting and Mitcham United Football Club gives its backing to this programme and provides many students, including pupils from Carshalton High School for Girls, with a platform to learn in an engaging way."