Playing for Success is a national scheme, supported by The Department for Children, Schools and Families, which is delivered through study support centres at football clubs and other sports’ grounds. The centres use the environment and medium of football, rugby and other sports as motivational tools, and focus on raising literacy, numeracy and ICT standards amongst KS2 and KS3 pupils who are struggling a little and may lack motivation.

Playing for Success has a key part to play in fulfilling the Department’s objectives, set out within the Children’s Plan: to raise standards and to close the gap in educational achievement ensuring all children to achieve their potential to succeed.

Pupils taking part in Playing for Success at Portsmouth attend the centre once a week over a ten week period. There is plenty of learning support with mentors, predominately from the University of Portsmouth, working along side the pupils. The mentors support, encourage and motivate the youngsters.