Partnership between Norwich City FC and Ormiston Denes Academy to offer youngsters new opportunities

An exciting new partnership between Ormiston Denes Academy and Norwich City Football Club is set to offer youngsters a range of sporting and educational opportunities.

The partnership was officially launched on April 28 with former Norwich City FC footballer Adam Drury joining school staff and pupils as well as representatives from Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) for the event which saw the Lowestoft-based academy become Norwich City FC's first Suffolk-based Community Hub.

The union will see students benefit from a number of the foundation's programmes including Kicks and Premier League 4 Sport, which offers free weekly sports activities, promoting healthy living, as well as educational workshops.

Toby Nickerson, CSF Sports Development officer, said: 'We are delighted to welcome Ormiston Denes Academy as the first Suffolk-based Community Hub and give the students the opportunity to take part in Premier League funded programmes.'

During the launch event more than 150 youngsters, of all ages, from schools across the Waveney area took part in a variety of activities including glow in the dark football and an interactive health session.

Stuart Aldous, Ormiston Denes Academy head of PE, said: 'I think our students will greatly benefit from the enrichment activities on offer within our community, on their doorstep.

'I am proud to be part of putting the partnership together and I know every student deserves these opportunities provided to be physically active, through high quality coaching, teaching and learning; a philosophy at the heart of our PE department.'

Ormiston Denes Academy vice-principal Tony Bown added: 'We are delighted to be working closely with CSF, and proud to be the first Community Hub in Suffolk. 'We're excited about the range of opportunities this will bring our students, and are happy to welcome the football club and the Foundation to our Academy.'

For more information about the community Sports Foundation visit: www.communitysportsfoundation.org.ukDo you have a Lowestoft story? Contact reporters at The Lowestoft Journal by calling telephone number 01502 525 820 or by email at lowestoft.journal@archant.co.uk