St Nicholas Church of England primary school in Elstree welcomed a special visit from the Mayor last week, shining a spotlight on the positive impact of sport and education through sessions delivered by Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust as part of the Premier League Primary Stars initiative.
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
The visit highlighted the school’s ongoing efforts to support pupils despite facing significant challenges. With concerns around potential closure, the school community and the Trust are particularly focused on protecting the mental health and wellbeing of both pupils and staff during this uncertain period.
During the visit, the Mayor observed how tailored sessions are helping children build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Pupils in Years 2 through 6 are actively engaging in PSHE-focused activities, exploring key themes such as resilience, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing. These sessions, delivered in an engaging and supportive environment, are designed to equip children with essential life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
“The children at St Nicholas Church of England primary school in Elstree Village have been going through a tough time lately as they face the closure of their school and being torn away from their friends and teachers. So, it was incredible to see the smiles on their faces as Nic taught them about resilience and the Premier League Primary Stars values that will help them to overcome not only this difficult time but also serve them well for the rest of their lives.
I would like to thank Nic and Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust for providing this programme to the school. You really are making a big difference to these children and to the school community.”
Cllr Dan Ozarow, Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood
Meanwhile, younger pupils in Reception and Year 1 are taking part in the Premier League Story Stars programme supported by the National Literacy Trust, aiming to inspire a lifelong love of reading. In line with the National Year of Reading, the programme places a strong emphasis on reading for pleasure, alongside developing speaking and listening skills and encouraging independent writing. Through creative storytelling and interactive activities, children are building confidence in their communication while fostering a positive relationship with books from an early age. Every child across the school also received a free book, gifted through support from the Premier League Foundation and the National Literacy Trust, as the latter looks to increase support and opportunities for pupil and further encourage reading for pleasure.
“The Reception and Year 1 children really enjoy the Premier League Story Stars sessions with Nic. It sparks their imaginations and develops their oracy skills – they are all very eager to share their work with me afterwards and can’t wait until the next session!”
Emily Porges, Deputy Headteacher St Nicolas Elstree
Staff at the school emphasise how valuable these sessions are in maintaining positivity and motivation among pupils, particularly during a time when uncertainty could otherwise have a negative impact. The Mayor praised the collaboration, noting the importance of community partnerships in ensuring that every child continues to receive high-quality support and opportunities.
“I am so pleased that we have the opportunity to develop a partnership with Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust. I feel that the programme will support the pupils at St Nicholas to develop key skills such as resilience and self-confidence as well as inspiring them to lead healthy lifestyles and create fun memories!”
Emily Porges, Deputy Headteacher St Nicolas Elstree
The visit served as a powerful reminder that, regardless of challenges, initiatives like Premier League Primary Stars can play a crucial role in nurturing wellbeing, raising aspirations, and keeping school communities strong.
To find out more about Premier League Primary Stars or to explore partnership opportunities with Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust, please contact School Sport Project Officer, Nicola Burton – nicola.burton@watfordfctrust.com