Swansea City AFC Foundation Supports Premier League Primary Stars Projects for Positive Change with Cila Primary
Swansea City AFC Foundation has strengthened its commitment to supporting environmental sustainability by delivering a 6-week project for positive change intervention as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Current partner school Cila Primary identified pupils who are enthusiastic around environmental sustaiblity and are members of the school eco-committee.
A key element of the projects for positive change intervention is that pupils are encouraged to identify, plan and carry out solutions within their local community and beyond. Local community could include the school itself, club or surrounding area. The goal is active citizenship through, thoughtful, cooperative, critically engaging, and responsible action.
Across the 6 weeks pupils were empowered to lead and research key sustainability themes including waste reduction, recycling, renewable sources and the impact of everyday choices on the planet. The intervention blended classroom learning with hands‑on activities designed to help pupils understand how small actions can contribute to meaningful change.
To round off the project, the pupils were taken on a trip to the Down to Earth Project in Murton, Swansea. The Down to Earth Project is renowned for its innovative use of natural materials, inclusive design, and innovative learning approaches approach provided the perfect setting for pupils to apply their learning in a real‑world environment. During the visit, pupils took part in a series of practical, outdoor activities that encouraged them to develop their environmental awareness. Guided by Down to Earth practitioners and Foundation staff, the group explored the venue through completing a treasure hunt, carved wood cookies using pyrography and carved and peeled wooden walking sticks. Pupils were also joined by Swansea City AFC Women’s player Chloe Chivers, who supported pupils in their activites and taking part also.
The experience allowed pupils to see sustainability in action, reinforcing the values they had developed over the previous six weeks. Many reflected on how they could take these ideas back to school and into their homes, becoming ambassadors for positive change within their community.
Dan Garnett Sport and Education Area coordinator for Swansea City AFC Foundation facilitated the session in the school and said…
“Having the opportunity to complete a sustainability social action project with such a passionate group of pupils reminded me of the impact of how using renewable goods can positively impact our schools and local environment. Furthermore, it was fantastic to see the pupils channel their creative minds and bring them to life during our practical sessions when creating storage robots and maze games from recycled goods.”
Looking ahead to the future the outcome of the project is that pupils feel they have developed knowledge and skills in the sustainability space and will look to take their learnings back into their Eco-Committee work to make further positive changes within their school.
A big thanks goes out to The Down to Earth project team for a wonderful experience, Chloe Chivers of Swansea City Women and to Cila Primary school for their continued support and partnership on Premier League Primary Stars.