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Study Support kids have a ball with Wilshere

Posted by Richard in Arsenal Football Club News, 28th September 2009, 9:54am

Study Support kids have a ball with Wilshere

Emirates Stadium hosted Arsenal's Study Support Centre's Awards Ceremony this afternoon and celebrated with Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, the day after Arsenal knocked out West Bromwich Albion in the Carling Cup.

The England Youth international met and congratulated over 100 pupils aged between ten and 12 years-old from a variety of Islington schools, who use the after-school Information and Computer Technology Club based inside Holloway School.

The youngsters were presented with certificates for their participation in the Study Support Centre last term, as well as recognition for those who had produced outstanding pieces of work, including most improved pupil. There was an extra special prize on offer for those winning the most helpful and hardworking pupil from each school group, of the chance to come to an Arsenal match at Emirates Stadium next season.

Jack Wilshere said: "This is my first event with Arsenal in the Community and it's been great to see the department's work first hand. It's always good to see the hard work of these children from their involvement with the programme. It's great that the Club is involved with Study Support and I have enjoyed sharing the children's success today."

Steve Wilson, Arsenal's Study Support Manager added: "It's very exciting to hold an event here at Emirates Stadium, so children can put the work done with Arsenal into context.  Player appearances encourage and motivate our pupils and help to meet the centre's aims and objectives. It's great to share these occasions with the players and a great opportunity for them to see the work the children are doing."

Study support is a learning activity outside school hours which young people undertake voluntarily. Its aim is to improve the motivation of young people, increase their self-esteem, help them become more effective learners and above all, raise achievement.

Arsenal Study Support Centre opened fully to pupils in September 2000 and is part of the Playing for Success scheme whose aim is to complement the work pupils do in school time.

The Centre, based in Holloway School occupies a bright and well-equipped area with state of the art computer technology on the second floor of the school. The surroundings are decorated and inspired by Arsenal Football Club fostering a true sense of belonging to the Club for the pupils who use the centre.