Players Academy (SOT)

The Players Academy (Stoke on Trent) started delivery in the community as CV19 guidance restricted access to after school sessions in local schools... 44 children (aged 5-11) took part in different sessions, with 8 core children learning to play instruments, writing lyrics and creating songs. This community group delivered a performance to their families in August 2021 and 100% of the young people stated they had increased musical knowledge, confidence and social skills. Working with younger children (average age 7) to develop musical skills was more challenging than working in high schools as originally planned (attention, reading skills & after school hunger all being a distraction!) but was equally rewarding! More regular sessions have now begun in our local high school (after school on Thursdays), where we are working with an average of 14 young people each week, and being able to provide a wider variety of instruments and experiences. Christmas performances are being planned :-)