Nottingham Forest are delighted to announce that they will launch a major schools-based initiative which uses the 40th anniversary of winning the European Cup to inspire a new generation in the city.
The project ‘Dream Big’ is an educational workshop designed to help the children of Nottingham to realise their potential and help encourage literacy learning across the curriculum which will be delivered to over 200 schools across Nottinghamshire.
Literacy levels across the city are rated as some of the worst in the UK and now Nottingham Forest, in this landmark year for the club, are stepping forward to help encourage and promote reading and writing to the younger generation.
The initiative, created by Owner Evangelos Marinakis, will see an exclusive animated feature film about the success of the squad from the Clough era and will be shown to primary level pupils from all areas of the City and County.
“Through the 40th anniversary celebrations we are delighted to be launching this campaign. This is just the beginning of a series of initiatives that we will deliver across the City to inspire the younger generation to believe in themselves. Through the power of sport we want to encourage the children of Nottingham to Dream Big.”
Launched at Blue Bill Hill Primary School in St Ann’s on Wednesday 5th June, the pupils were treated to an exclusive showing of the film and a guest appearance from Nottingham-born Forest legend Garry Birtles. In addition to this the children were tasked with a Forest related workshop designed to encourage and promote literacy engagement.
Birtles, from Chilwell, Nottingham said: “It is fantastic to see what the club are doing. Since the new ownership came in the vision and the commitment to the local community has been flawless.
“It’s not just token PR events, they are actually trying to improve and involve themselves in initiatives to help improve the city which will benefit the people of Nottingham. This latest project is so important and hopefully through the power of Nottingham Forest we will be able to make a real difference and make learning fun whilst celebrating everything which makes this city great.
“That’s what the DNA of Nottingham Forest is all about and the gaffer Brian, set those beliefs”
Brian Clough
” I think everybody should have a book, I think everybody should have a nice classroom to go to, I think everyone should have the same opportunities.”
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council who attended the launch and is a campaigner for improving literacy levels across the city, also praised the club for their involvement.
“Children in our city deserve the best possible start in life and we know that reading with children is one of the best ways to set them up for a bright future. In Nottingham, too many of our children start school behind the expected literacy levels so it is great to see Nottingham Forest leading the way and inspiring future generations.”
Article from East Midlands Business News 16.6.19