To celebrate World Book Day, The Foundation distribute free books and vouchers to local primary schools

The Foundation has given free, brand-new books and WHSmith vouchers to numerous partner primary schools in their local area to support young readers as part of an exciting partnership between Premier League Primary Stars and the National Literacy Trust, to celebrate World Book Day on 3 March 2022. 

The partnership has enabled 27,000 free books to be distributed to schools across England and Wales via 81 professional football club community organisations delivering the Premier League Primary Stars education programme. National Literacy Trust research found that children who own their own books are nearly three times more likely to enjoy reading. Lockdowns have made it difficult for children to access physical books because of school and public library closures, so getting copies of books into the hands of children is more vital than ever. 

Since the launch of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme in 2016, the Premier League has distributed 152,000 free books to schoolchildren. Heather King, Sports Development Officer at The Foundation, said: “We’ve really enjoyed taking Donny Dog out to partner schools today- the children loved being able to have a photo with him and schools have been very grateful for the books donation and WHSmith voucher”