Local schools celebrate new Premier League Kit Scheme award

Launched in 2011, the scheme provides support for junior football across the nation and has provided kit and equipment to more than 2,000 junior teams in the last three years.

St Mary’s is one of ten schools in partnership with Manchester United Foundation to have been selected to receive kit this year as a result of pupils’ dedication to the Premier League School Sports programmes delivered to Reception and Key Stage 1 by Foundation coaches.

John Gartside, teacher and PE coordinator at St Mary’s, said, “The children are really excited and proud to be receiving the new kit.  Manchester United Foundation has done a lot of work with our school and the children really enjoy themselves – to be selected is an acknowledgement of their hard work.”

Year five pupils John-Paul and Kyle have both represented their school at football tournaments and can’t wait to show off their new kit:

“Having the new kit means we can stand out more and show other schools that we can win.” said Kyle.

John-Paul added, “It’s really good that Manchester United come into school as you’re improving your skills and you might win tournaments; it makes me really happy that we were chosen to get new kit.”

Each school chosen to benefit from the Premier League Players’ Kit Scheme receives School Sports coaching, which includes Move with Manchester United, a ten-week programme focusing on fundamental movement and body control skills. 

The other nine primary schools are Ringway, Button Lane, Benchill and Rackhouse in Wythenshawe, Northenden Primary in Northenden, Seymour Park in Old Trafford, Partington and Forest Gate in Partington and Alma Park in Levenshulme.