Whitley Bay school hosts 'Football Fun Day' to support children's football teams in Africa

Pupils at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, on Seatonville Road in Whitley Bay, have taken part in a "Football Fun Day" to raise money for Children in Need and Mfuwe Mags children’s football teams in Zambia.

The charity day was inspired by the UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools campaign, which educates on the importance of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child.

All 360 of Star of the Sea’s took part in the charity day, with the proceeds split evenly between the two charities.

The event marked the start of this year's fundraising for the school, which is a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

Alex Raynor, who is co-leading the scheme with fellow teacher Sarah Taylor, has revealed how the day went and gave an insight into future fundraising plans.

She said: “The children brought in cash donations as well as their old football boots and shin pads, which are crucial for the children playing on hard, pot-holed pitches.

“We had football activities inside and outside the classrooms, and children came in wearing their favourite football strips.

“Building on this, we are organising a Big Dribble fundraiser with Alive and Kicking to raise money for footballs for our school and for Zambia.

Read Newcastle's news on the go with our free email newsletters - bringing the headlines to your inbox. Catch up on the day's news and sport and enjoy even more from the NewcastleWorld team. Visit our website here to find out more and sign up.

“To raise the children’s awareness of other life experiences, we are linking with a school in Zambia called Aunt Mary’s, which started in awful circumstances and is now thriving.

“We also have plans to work with Project Luangwe, which is the charity arm of a group of safari companies who want to give back to the community in Zambia.

“These initiatives are very important to children in our school.

"As well as strengthening our curriculum, as a ‘Rights Respecting School’, it is important that the children have a full understanding of what needs and rights look like around the world, and why it is so important to protect them."

Alongside support from Star of the Sea, Mfuwe Mags has also received support in the past from both Newcastle United and Magpies legend, Alan Shearer.