Schoolchildren visit Arsenal ground

Pupils from Oakmere Primary School in Potters Bar have toured the Arsenal training ground after finishing an educational and football programme coordinated by Arsenal Football Club and Hertsmere Borough Council.

Oakmere Primary School Arsenal Double Club

A group of 22 schoolchildren have been participating in the Arsenal Double Club since January, so-called because it gives children the opportunity to improve their literacy as well as their football skills.  They attended the club once a week after school for a 45-minute lesson focusing on reading and writing followed by 45 minutes of football practice with an Arsenal coach.

To reward their efforts, they were taken to the Arsenal training ground in Shenley on Wednesday, 24 March, where they took part in a football tournament on the indoor pitch and got a tour of the training facilities including the changing rooms, swimming pool and restaurant.  They even got to try on gloves belonging to Arsenal's goalkeeper, Manuel Almunia, and heard all about midfielder Aaron Ramsey's recovery from a broken leg.  They were also presented with certificates.

Helen Bottomley, Hertsmere Borough Council's Community Sports Officer, said: "The Double Club helps pupils with literacy as well as giving them an opportunity to improve their football skills with professional coaches.  It also helps improve their confidence and self-esteem."

Dean Barker, PE coordinator at Oakmere Primary School, said: "All students thoroughly enjoyed the Double Club, it has been a brilliant experience.  Getting to see behind the scenes of a professional club was really interesting."

The next school to take part in this programme is Pope Paul Catholic Primary School also in Potters Bar.