Red Oaks History Week

Red Oaks History Week Monday 22nd September- Friday 26th September

Some of our Swindon Town stars went back to school last month as part of a special education week between us and Red Oaks Primary School.

Midfielder Lilian Nalis swapped his boots for the blackboard as he turned teacher for the day, helping the school's Year 5 students learn some of his native French language.

Jack Smith, Hasney Aljofree, Anthony McNamee and Billy Paynter all attended signing sessions at the north Swindon school, where the youngsters quizzed them about life as a professional footballer.

Swindon Advertiser editor Dave King gave an English lesson on writing match reports based on Town's win over MK Dons earlier in the season.

And the week culminated in a comprehensive tour of the County Ground for the school's 500 pupils aged between four and 11, as they learnt about what happens off the pitch at a League One club.

STFC Football in the Community co-ordinator Shane Hewlett said: "Red Oaks approached me a while ago and said they wanted to do a week on the history of Swindon Town and learn a little bit more about their local club, what goes on, meet the players and with an educational slant on it.

"It was a hectic week, but a great week and it couldn't have gone any better.

"It was so productive for both us and the school and the kids absolutely loved it. Lilian Nalis was absolutely fantastic.

"The kids were asking him questions in both English and French and he was answering back in both languages and teaching them all about it.

"We've never done anything on this scale with a whole school before, but everyone pulled together and made it a real success.

"The school found out more about the club and we helped improve our links in the community."

The venture was such a success that thoughts are already turning to running the educational week in some of the 27 other schools across the area.

Hewlett said: "It's something that in the long-term we want to do at other schools. It was so popular and successful with Red Oaks and we know it will be the same elsewhere.

"The scheme is helping with the kids' education as well as hopefully bringing the next generation of supporters to the County Ground.

"And that can only be a good thing for both sides."

For videos of the week click on the links below.

Videos of the Week