Playing for Success pupils from Worden Sports College assumed the role of journalists on Saturday 1st March for Preston's home game against Crystal Palace. The fun day enabled the pupils to use their speaking and listening, reading and writing skills in a real-life situation.

The day involved a full ground tour and the opportunity to observe the extensive preparation before a game, from corporate entertainment to the set up of both home and away dressing rooms and the officials' preparation. The pupils used their journalistic skills to ask questions on the tour and take photographs.

The pupils compiled questions for PNE players and interviewed Wayne Henderson and Michael Hart in the Playing for Success centre before the game. They also prepared post match questions, interviewing Alan Irvine pitch side before attending the press conference.



Preparation before the match involved research on both teams and looking at match report writing techniques. The pupils sat with the journalists in the press area, notes were taken during the match followed by the compilation of match reports.

Click here to read their match reports.

Playing for Success is a DCSF national initiative which provides out of school study support for pupils aged 9-14, using sport and its environment as a curriculum tool. The focus is to raise achievement in literacy, numeracy and ICT whilst also helping to develop self-esteem, motivation and independent learning. The centre at Preston North End uses the subject of football, the Deepdale Stadium and the National Football Museum within its sessions. The centre is based under the Alan Kelly Stand, in the Learning and Community Centre.