Writing the Game uses young people’s love of football to engage them with writing and learning. Funded by the Football Foundation and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, it has benefited almost 100 young people from disadvantaged areas in the north and south west of England, running from 2009 to 2011.

During a week-long residential course at an Arvon centre - tutored by sports writer, Anthony Clavane and playwright, Nick Stimson - young people produced work for a football newspaper, wrote and performed a football musical and visited a local football ground to have a look round and take part in a training session.

The project helped the young people to creatively engage with writing and to improve their literacy skills as a result. All who took part gained in confidence, communication skills and self-belief. In addition, many of the young people have achieved higher pass marks in exams than predicted, and their positive experience at Arvon is seen as the main reason for this turnaround. 

Writing the Game will continue with new courses in 2012. If you’re interested in bringing a school group for a Writing the Game week please contact  Becky Swain, Learning and Participation Manager, email becky.swain@arvonfoundation.org or call 0207 324 2579.  

Between 2009 and 2011, we have worked with Carlton Community College (formerly Edward Sheerin School), Barnsley, and South Dartmoor Community College, Kingsbridge Community College, and Estover Community College in Devon. 


Here's what some of those who participated had to say about their experience:

"The experience that you were responsible for providing for us last year was nothing short of amazing. Every now and then, something happens in teaching that makes you think 'this is a special moment'. That week was packed full of those moments, both for me and Kelly as teachers, but more importantly for those young people for whom it was literally a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Teacher, Carlton Community College, Barnsley

"The thing I enjoyed most about the course was reading out in front of everybody as it made me more confident to do so.”
Student, Carlton Community College, Barnsley

"It’s so fun and you get to meet lots of different people, it’s ace, I want to go again!"
Student, Estover Community College, Devon