Tooting & Mitcham FC Study Support Centre will be officially launched on 28 April at the Hub, in Morden. The centre has been running courses since late 2006 and is one of the 161 study centres around the country that are part of the Playing for Success project.

During the opening, primary aged students from Liberty School will be making cartoon storyboards and carrying out numeracy challenges. Older students from Carshalton Girls High School will be leading guided tours and also interviewing and filming guests.

Sport can work as a powerful motivation tool and the aim of Playing for Success is to combine it with education to create an exciting learning environment. Schools select their pupils who are most likely to respond well to the programme – Tooting & Mitcham FC Study Support Centre is helping 360 students from Merton and Sutton, half of them from Merton.

The six week programme is designed to give maximum enjoyment and encouragement to students, whilst developing self-esteem, confidence and key study skills. Activities are inspired by the football theme and there is a close liaison between staff at the centre and schoolteachers that ensures the programme on offer complements and enhances the pupils’ schoolwork.

Tooting & Mitcham FC Study Centre is the result of a partnership between the London Boroughs of Merton and Sutton, the Department for Children Schools and Families, the Football Foundation, Tooting & Mitcham United FC and The Hub.

Lead Consultant for Playing for Success, Rex Hall, says: “In ten years, over a quarter of million pupils have attended the Playing for Success centres with very positive results. I am glad that the young people of Merton and Sutton are able to access this centre.”

Dave Hill, Director of Children, Schools and Families, says: “Merton schoolchildren have here an exciting opportunity to develop their skills at various levels. The council is proud to have such modern facilities and is encouraging pupils to take the best advantage of them.”

-Ends-