Sussex students plan for greener future at the Amex
More than 70 pupils in Year 7 and 8 (aged 11 to 13) from four secondary schools across Sussex took part in a ‘LEARN Together’ event, to encourage them to think about what they can do to protect the environment.
As part of the Premier League Inspires programme, students from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA), Felpham Community College, The Academy in Selsey and Rottingdean’s Longhill High School explored the issues that BHAFC or their school face in trying to be more environmentally sustainable and reducing their impact on the environment.
The ‘Protection of the Planet’ launch event at the Amex was delivered by Albion in the Community in partnership with American Express.
The session kicked off a 6-week ‘Social Enterprise Challenge’, during which teams of school children will develop a social action project to help address environmental sustainability at either BHAFC or their own school.
Each school brought 15 students who will work together in teams of five on these projects, which will also help them develop soft skills such as teamwork and communication – key employability skills.
The morning involved the students completing a ‘What is Social Action/Enterprise?’ workshop, looking at examples of social action already in place.
They also received a tour of the Amex Stadium, looking at how the club supports environmental sustainability within its business.
American Express colleagues supported the teams of students throughout the day and will help guide them through the 6-week challenge, participating in remote sessions as the schools complete weekly workshops.
The teams will then return to the Amex in December to present their ideas at a special celebration event.
Combining the power of football and passion for BHAFC with the time, energy and expertise of American Express colleagues to help local communities across Sussex. The ‘LEARN Together’ strand of American Express and Albion in the Community’s ‘LEARN, LIVE, PLAY Together’ volunteer programme offers the opportunity for young people to develop their soft skills, including teamwork, problem solving, decision making, creativity, leadership and communication.
Rob Josephs, Schools Manager at AITC said: “The Learn Together programme is a fantastic initiative for young people, it helps increase their confidence, self-esteem, teamwork and communication skills.
“The students were engaged and committed at this launch event, I’m really looking forward to working with them over the coming weeks and seeing their finished projects.”
AITC has been working successfully in partnership with American Express since 2011.
Find out more: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/about-us/about/partnership-with-amex/