Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones attended a Family Learning Though Football session at Lumley Junior school.
The Family Learning Though Football programme engages parents and their children in football-themed activities to help improve parenting and communication skills as well as confidence and knowledge of fitness and health issues.
Recently shortlisted in the national Sports Industry Awards, Family Learning Through Football is a unique SAFC Foundation programme written and administered by staff at the charity. The Black Cats star played his part via the Premier League's Places for Players project, set up to promote clubs' community departments through player participation.
Build Skills
Jones said: "I think that football has the power to inspire people to achieve things in all areas of their lives and I'm delighted to be able to take part in such a groundbreaking programme.
"With Family Learning Through Football, the SAFC Foundation has demonstrated that you can use sport not only to build skills like numeracy and literacy but also communication and parenting skills."
In 2009, Family Learning Through Football worked with 949 families in the region including a record 359 men - the national average for programs of this type is 11 per cent.
Eighty four per cent of parents engaged through the programme felt they had improved their parenting skills, while 81 per cent reported improved relationships with their children.
Family Learning Through Football is delivered at primary and secondary schools across the Sunderland, South Tyneside and Durham region with support from Cestria Community Housing, Durham County Council, The Parenting Fund, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Primary Care Trust.
