YOUNG Cradley Heath pupils are celebrating after being given a Premier League donation to replace their “dismal” football kit.

Timbertree Academy has been handed a bundle of goodies as part of the Premier League Primary Stars scheme, including 15 footballs, cones, bibs, large foam dice, pop up nets, floor markers and bean bags which will help the children improve their PE skills in football.

Delivered by the Football Foundation, the kit and equipment scheme gives teachers a range of equipment that can be used across different curriculum areas to get children active.

Emma Smith, wider curriculum leader at the Valley Road school, said: “Our equipment for teaching football was in a dismal state. We did not have enough balls to effectively teach football in school.

“With the help of the Premier League we now have enough of the right equipment to lead effective and engaging lessons.

“Hopefully this will be the beginning of pupils’ journey from grassroots, to local clubs and beyond.”

Also available is a free downloadable suite of resources for teachers across key stages one and two in English, maths, PE and PSHE.

Richard Scudamore, executive chairman of the Premier League and Football Foundation trustee, added: “Congratulations to Timbertree Academy on their successful application for a Premier League Primary Stars kit and equipment pack.

“We hope this kit, coupled with the free downloadable online resources, will help teachers harness the popularity of football to inspire primary school kids in everything from maths and English to teamwork and sport.”