Soccer Aid 

At Sacred Heart Primary, we were thrilled to take part in UNICEF’s Soccer Aid Schools campaign this year, uniting our community around the powerful message that every child has the right to play. As outlined in Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, play is essential for children’s happiness, development, and well-being. To mark the occasion, children across all year groups engaged in fun, inclusive football-themed activities, learning not just about sport, but about fairness, teamwork, and the challenges faced by children around the world.

This year’s Soccer Aid event also coincided with an exciting milestone for our school — the launch of our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme. Through OPAL, we are transforming playtimes to ensure that all children have access to high-quality, creative, and active outdoor play every day, no matter the weather. We believe play is not just a break from learning — it is learning, helping children to develop resilience, social skills, imagination, and joy.

Thanks to the generosity of our families and wider community, we raised an amazing £750 during the Soccer Aid appeal. These funds will go directly to UNICEF’s work supporting children living in crisis — helping to build safe places to play, provide essential supplies, and ensure children everywhere can enjoy their right to a safe and happy childhood. We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their compassion, energy, and commitment to making a difference.