Premier League Primary Stars: Building Resilience at Tooting Primary School
Our ongoing partnership with Tooting Primary School continues to flourish as we work together to support pupils’ wellbeing, confidence and personal development. As part of Premier League Primary Stars, our Head of Sports & Education, Andy May, recently delivered an excellent resilience workshop for a group of Year 6 pupils. It was an engaging and timely session designed to help them understand how to cope with challenges both in and out of the classroom.
The workshop introduced practical strategies for staying positive, managing setbacks and developing a growth mindset. Pupils then had the chance to explore these ideas through a sporting lens, with a special visit from AFC Wimbledon First Team players Joe McDonnell and Riley Harbottle. The pair shared honest reflections on their own journeys, including the highs and lows of life as professional footballers, and how resilience plays a vital role in their careers.
We also can’t forget that our very out Haydon the Womble turned up to surprised the children and he even managed to save a few goals!
Our partnership with Tooting Primary School spans several years and includes a wide range of extra-curricular activities, from multi-skills sessions to football coaching. Pupils have also taken part in our popular Stadium School events at Plough Lane, taking part in workshops linked to key PSHE themes through Premier League Primary Stars, we remain committed to inspiring children aged 5–11 to stay active, maintain their wellbeing and develop essential life skills. We look forward to continuing our work with Tooting Primary School and supporting pupils as they grow on and off the pitch.
As we launch our Christmas Appeal, we are proud to highlight the impact of programmes like this. Donations made to our Club Together Bursary enable us to deliver more workshops, reach more schools and ensure that children across our community have access to high-quality sessions that support their wellbeing, resilience and personal growth. Your support helps us remove barriers, respond to local needs and provide opportunities that make a genuine difference to young people.
HOW YOUR DONATION COULD
MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
As we move into the festive season, this work is a powerful reminder of why our community programmes matter. Through initiatives such as Kicks, and with the support of our Club Together Bursary, we aim to give local children and young people the opportunities, stability and guidance they need to thrive.
This Christmas, we are raising funds to ensure these programmes can reach even more young people across our community. Every contribution helps us continue vital work just like this, empowering young people to feel safe, supported and heard. Even small donations can make a meaningful difference:
£10 could provide an inclusive and accessible sports session for a child with special educational needs
£25 could cover a match ticket and travel so a young supporter can enjoy a visit to Plough Lane.
£50 could support a young person to take part in several days at one of our holiday football camps or the Kicks programme, helping to keep children active, engaged and off the streets.
£100 or more could help train a future coach or referee, providing skills, qualifications and role models our community can be proud of.
Your support this Christmas helps us keep changing lives, one young person at a time.