Arsenal in link with county school

Wednesday 11th March 2009, 10:52AM GMT.

Arsenal FC logo A school in Telford is to develop a unique link with Premier League football giants Arsenal which will see academic subjects being taught in tandem with both football and ice hockey.

Wrockwardine Wood Arts College has been given the go-ahead by the Government to form a “Double Club” in association with Arsenal, Telford Tigers ice hockey team and Telford & Wrekin’s Playing for Success centres.

Although the Double Club is Arsenal’s concept, schools are able to develop partnerships with major clubs from other sports.

The success of the initiative has led to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) funding pilot projects across the country, with the latest 15, including Telford & Wrekin, announced by Baroness Delyth Morgan, children’s minister, yesterday.

The Double Club will see Playing for Success centre staff setting up a study support room at Wrockwardine Wood.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The endorsement of Arsenal FC bestows a level of prestige on the college and the students there will benefit from a programme of sports-led learning.”