St.Paul’s and St.Michael’s Primary School – Promoting Team Spirit

How SportInspired’s multi-sports festivals have inspired the children of St.Paul’s with St.Michael’s Primary School, and brought them closer together.

The Challenge

St. Paul’s with St. Michael’s Primary School is located in London’s Borough of Hackney, where a significant portion of children live in poverty. Many of the school’s children are therefore eligible for PPG, the government’s additional funding for state-funded schools to support disadvantaged pupils and close the attainment gap between them and their peers. Living in an area of high deprivation means that a large proportion of the school’s children are not taking part in additional sports, i.e. outside of school, and missing out on the numerous benefits that after-school sports clubs provide, including improved physical health, social skills, and mental well-being.

The Solution

St.Paul’s with St. Michael’s School has been working with SportInspired for over 15 years and during that time, they have engaged in many of the sports provisions. SportInspired’s multi-sports festivals have enabled the school’s children to gain an insight into a range of new sporting activities that they would not usually have access to, and allowed them to meet children from other schools in the local area which develops their social interactions and promotes team spirit.

"We all loved the SportsInspired festival. The children really enjoy the atmosphere and love the range of activities provided. There are opportunities given to participate in sports they would not normally do. The dance teachers are particularly inspiring. The team spirit workshops and the festivals inspire the children greatly, and this often carries through into school for the whole year! Thank you! We look forward to the next one."

– Nurjan Komur, Year 5 Class Teacher

The Results

students attended 4 festivals in 2024

volunteers attended these festivals

students participated in 3 different legacy clubs

"One of the highlights for the children was the wheelchair basketball game. It was a special experience for them, as they don’t typically participate in such activities in their daily lives. The discussions and reflections after the festival were incredibly positive, with the children sharing their experiences and supporting one another. It was heart-warming to see how the festival brought them closer together and gave them another reason to encourage and cheer for each other - the medals and trophies awarded at the end of the day were the icing on the cake!"

– Evanthia Lekka, Year 3 Class Teacher

"Class teachers at our school, who have attended the festivals and legacy clubs, have been very impressed with the organisation and professionalism of all the staff and volunteers. They have always ensured smooth transitions during the day, shown a positive and committed attitude towards all the children and staff, making the day a memorable and exciting experience."

– Randolph Ryan, Sports Coordinator, St.Paul’s with St.Michael’s Primary School

The Impact

Inspired children to seek further classes as extra-curricular activities.

Enabled school staff to work alongside the coaches to up-level their own skills and share good practice.

Inspired teachers to introduce new sporting activities within the curriculum, having a direct impact on the whole school delivery and ethos around sports.

Empowered the school to create and run its own after-school volleyball club.

"Our children at St.Paul’s with St.Michael’s over the years, have had an amazing experience through SportInspired, one which will stay with them for a long time…and we hope for many more years into the future."