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Community Projects
Engaging Young People through Football Poetry
The Museum's Poet in Residence, Paul Cookson
The Museum recognises the way in which football can be a catalyst to engage children and young people who may be turned off formal education, to become excited about learning. For over two years the Museum has created interest in poetry among youngsters through the football-themed poetry workshops, readings and performances of the Museum's Poet in Residence, Paul Cookson.
Paul offers workshops for smaller groups of up to 25 children from secondary schools as well as interactive poetry presentations for up to 100 pupils. These have been incredibly popular with schools and are always booked to capacity. To date thousands of children and young people have enjoyed taking part in Paul's workshops at the Museum. He has also performed at a Museum outreach session at HM Prison, Preston .
Paul also runs sessions for visitors to the Museum, including poems and cartoon workshops as part of the ‘Big Draw'. Paul has also contributed poems in tribute to some of the legendary footballers in the Museum's Hall of Fame, which are on display at the Museum.
Paul has had a number of books of poetry published, including his collection of football poems Give Us A Goal (Macmillan Children's Books, 2004). He has written many articles for football club magazines and appears regularly on BBC and commercial radio stations.
Paul is now working with the Museum to develop an exhibition to open autumn 2007 and an expanding programme of activities linked to national initiatives such as Reading the Game starting in 2008.
Quotes
“Football is a national obsession. By tapping into what kids are interested in makes poetry more accessible because children start listening to and writing poetry about football and then write poems on other themes. It especially encourages boys who can be reluctant readers and writers.”
Paul Cookson, Poet in Residence, National Football Museum
“Thanks for a great day out, the children really enjoyed it, especially the boys. Linking poetry with football is a great idea.”
Mrs S Davis, St. John & St. Augustine C of E Primary School