In partnership with Newham Council and libraries across the borough, the West Ham United Foundation is encouraging schoolchildren in east London to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.
For over two decades, the Summer Reading Challenge has proven highly successful in combatting the so-called ‘summer holiday dip’ in reading motivation and attainment. Pioneered by the Reading Agency in 1999, the competition consistently boosts children’s inclination to read at home, while widening the reading range and repertoire of those who participate.
By partnering with the Foundation’s Premier League Primary Stars programme – which uses the hook of football and West Ham United to engage children in the school curriculum –, Newham libraries have elevated the competition to new heights by presenting some very special prizes for the winners.
“This is a fantastic initiative,” exclaimed Newham Libraries Development Officer Deborah Peck. “It means children see local people from the community endorsing the competition, they identify with their local club, and get inspired by the fact that they might be able to win West Ham prizes.”
The young reader who takes out the most books will be awarded a West Ham United ball signed by the first team. As for the school that manages to rally the most students on this summer literary quest, they will be rewarded with a tour of London Stadium.
To inaugurate the partnership, WHUF’s Premier League Primary Stars Programme Manager Nick Crickmar delivered a workshop guiding the eager young minds on the art of selecting the perfect book. Spellbound by the undeniable allure of the Hammers connection to the competition, the children hung onto his every word, their curiosity ignited, as they prepared to embark on a captivating journey into the realm of the Summer Reading Challenge.
“I’m so pleased we set up the partnership,” Peck continued. “Nick was brilliant! He came across as really relatable to the children, inspired them all, and got them talking about their favourite books.
“The relationship between football and education is brilliant, particularly for those children who might not see reading as something for them. And it’s not just the boys; at the end of the session, I had some girls running up to me asking where all the football books were!
“Everyone’s eyes lit up at the idea of winning signed West Ham memorabilia or a tour of the stadium. It’s great to have something so local that children connect with and inspires them to read.”
