Millie & Lily's Story

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. Since coming to the end of the project, both girls now have a better understanding of how to regulate their emotions, maintain focus, and form healthy relationships, preparing them for their next step to secondary school.

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. Understanding and managing their emotions in a practical way was a major obstacle, which made maintaining friendships challenging. Millie and Lily also 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 then encouraged through the reward of football activities outside, helping to increase their physical activity. Regulation games and activities were also key to keeping the participants relaxed and calm.

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 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. Skills they gained from the "Head in the Game" project have not only strengthened their relationship with each other but also improved how they approach future friendships in school. Now Millie and Lily have identified qualities of positive relationships, they're equipped with a better understanding of how to navigate future social connections and reach their full potential.

"I really enjoyed the Head in the Game sessions. I liked learning in a different way and woking in smaller groups. My favourite part was the tour Cardiff City FC 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 now feel more confident and better about myself."

- Lily, Y6 pupil, Pencaerau Primary School

"I really enjoyed the Head in the Game programme 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 of Cardiff City Stadium. I also enjoyed learning about emotions with Tobi, which has really helped me. The programme has made me feel happier and helped me make more friends."

- Millie, Y6 Pupil, 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.