Millie and Lily,
both 11-year-old girls from Pencaerau Primary
School, have made excellent progress over the past year thanks to our Head in the Game project. This
initiative, designed to support mental health and wellbeing through engaging
football-centered activities, helps pupils facing personal challenges that
affect their behaviour and academic performance.
Millie experienced a significant change in her home environment, which disrupted her routine and stability. As well as being academically behind her peers, Millie found it difficult to manage her emotions and understand cause and effect, impacting her behaviour and relationships.
Lily's background
includes several adverse experiences, leading to attachment issues. Despite
excelling in her schoolwork, Lily struggled with forming healthy attachments
and sought constant validation from peers and adults.
Finding it hard to concentrate in class, both became disruptive in lessons and group settings. They were disengaged from schoolwork and both avoided sports and did not enjoy physical activity.
To help engage Millie and Lily, football-themed classroom activities and worksheets were used to help the group focus on raising aspirations. Through use of a SMART goal-setting framework, mental health top tips and educational video resources - their eagerness and motivation to complete work improved each session, week by week.
The programme also taught them how to process their emotions and make calmer decisions through scenario based tasks. Consistent good behaviour was encouraged through the reward of football activities outdoors, helping to increase their physical activity. Regulation games and activities were also key in keeping Millie and Lily relaxed.
Millie and Lilly now
have a better understanding of their emotional triggers and are able to
communicate and manage them effectively. Through the support of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation Mentor Tobi, they've
learnt that disruptive behaviour has consequences, which has directly improved
their performance in the classroom.
Positive reinforcement from Tobi has helped them to enjoy their work and gave them a sense of purpose. The Head in the Game project also gave them to opportunity to come out of their shells, making them more confident and resilient in group activities. Both girls have now developed a new love for football and physical activity. Now Millie and Lily have identified qualities of positive relationships, they're equipped with a better understanding of how to navigate social connections.
"I really enjoyed the Head in the Game sessions. I liked learning in a different way and working in smaller groups. My favourite part was the tour Cardiff City Stadium; it was so fun to learn about Cardiff City FC. I also enjoyed the different topics we covered. I liked 'Dreaming Big' because it helped me believe in myself! Since finishing, I feel better about myself." - Lily, Pencaerau Primary School.
"I really enjoyed the Head in the Game sessions this year. I had so much fun learning with my friends, especially Lily. My favourite part was being part of Mental Health Week where we exercised on the actual pitch at Cardiff City Stadium. I also enjoyed learning about emotions with Tobi, which has really helped me. Tobi has made me feel happier and helped me make more friends." - Millie, Pencaerau Primary School.
We're on a mission to make education and skills
development accessible to all, while having some fun with football along the
way.
To learn more about what support we offer in Primary Education, click here.
To learn more about what support we offer in Secondary Education, click here.
Owen’s Story
Diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Owen couldn’t participate in any physical activity for seven months. With support from tutors and coaches, he regained his fitness and confidence after surgery and passed his first year of the Level 3 Sport course.
Grace's story
In high school, Grace struggled with motivation to engage in her subjects and complete her work, resulting in a lack of routine and low self-esteem. Seeking a different path, Grace saw the Community Foundation as an opportunity to blend her love of football with her studies.
Empowering Women Through Fit Bluebirds
Cardiff City FC Community Foundation teamed up with Women Connect First to offer a women’s-only Fit Bluebirds session, providing a safe space for participants to get fit and support each other on their health journeys.
