Kenwyne drops into school
safc.comSunderland AFC striker Kenwyne Jones took part in the Premier League's Places for Players scheme by joining in with a Family Learning session last week.
Jones attended a Family Learning though Football session run by SAFC Foundation at Lumley Junior School on Thursday, March 11.
The Family Learning though Football programme engages parents and their children in football themed activities to help improve parenting and communication skills as well as confidence and knowledge of fitness and health issues.
Recently shortlisted in the national Sports Industry Awards, Family Learning through Football is a unique SAFC Foundation programme written and administered by staff at the charity.
The Black Cats star played his part via the Places for Players project, set up to promote clubs' community departments through player participation.
Jones said: "I think that football has the power to inspire people to achieve things in all areas of their lives and I'm delighted to be able to take part in such a groundbreaking programme.
"With Family Learning through Football SAFC Foundation have demonstrated that you can use sport not only to build skills like numeracy and literacy but also communication and parenting skills."
In 2009 Family Learning through Football worked with 949 families in the region including a record 359 men (the national average for programmes of this type is 11%). 84% of parents engaged through the programme felt that they'd improved their parenting skills whilst 81% reported improved relationships with their children.
Family Learning through Football is delivered at primary and secondary schools across the Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham region with support from Cestria Community Housing, Durham County Council, The Parenting Fund, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Primary Care Trust.