Riverside Stadium Provides Education Home For Outwood Pupils

Middlesbrough Football Club and its Foundation have reinforced their commitment to the local community by providing a base for the continued education of young students.

Since September, the Riverside Stadium has housed Year 7 pupils from Outwood Academy Riverside, due to ongoing building works at the school site. Temporary classrooms were set up in the East Stand to allow students to start their secondary education, including full catering provision for lunches.

Building delays resulted in discussions between the Department for Education, Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) and MFC representatives earlier this year, and all parties are delighted with the outcome.

Students have been taught the full curriculum and have had access to sporting facilities. The club gave additional support by offering signed shirts and other incentives to encourage good behaviour and attendance. Members of the club’s Academy also held a Q&A with students on the life of a young professional footballer.

An MFC spokesperson said:

“We see the football club as the heartbeat of our community and the work of the Foundation within that is so important. It’s been a real privilege to house the school pupils and help them continue their education.”

Stephen Merifield, Associate Executive Principal at OGAT, added:

“Spending the first half term of their secondary school education at MFC has undoubtedly been a unique experience for our students. We have been delighted with the provision and service from MFC and the fact that the children have had a full educational experience amid a complicated situation.