St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Primary School has recently been awarded the very prestigious accolade of National Charter Standard Primary School of the Year for 2008. The award which is the last of its kind, as the Charter Standard Schools Programme has now ended, comes after the School won Manchester FA’s Charter Standard Primary School of the Year, and then the North West Primary School of the Year award.
The FA Charter Standard Schools Programme, highlights the School offer Football both in the curriculum and after school, they have qualified FA Coaches within their teaching staff, they participate in local FA Schools competitions, and have strong links with local Charter Standard Clubs.
Andy Dickinson, Headteacher of St Joseph’s, said ‘‘I am absolutely delighted for both my staff and pupils to receive this National Charter Standard Award. I am thrilled for my staff who voluntarily give so much of their time and so much expertise to promote the game of football amongst boys and girls of all ages at this school.''
“I am thrilled also for my pupils who are the finest example you could find of children who are committed, enthused and who so readily engage in football”.
“This award is not just recognition – it is motivation for us to carry on doing what we love doing. It will also inspire and motivate every single child in my school. For that my thanks go to everyone involved – and to the FA for this wonderful recognition”.
Andy Basterfield, Football Development Officer for Manchester County FA comments: “For St Joseph’s Primary to gain National recognition around their work and commitment to football at the School is a fantastic achievement, and I can’t congratulate them enough”.
“It shows how much both staff and pupils at the school love football, and how the beautiful game can be used in such ways as developing friendship, and keeping fit and healthy”.
The school were invited down to Oldham Athletic to Watch the First team train, followed by a Ground tour, and a Question and Answer session with Manager John Sheridan. The School received a Manchester FA Plaque, along with an Oldham Athletic Shirt Signed by the First Team.
The school are also lucky enough to be attending the England V’s Kazakhstan fixture at Wembley where a further presentation will be made pitchside before the game.
Special thanks go to Oldham Athletic for their excellent hospitality on the day.