Sunderland children have a brighter future thanks to football kit project
“You’d never think that people who had done something so big would come to our school, but they did”
Children at Academy 360 have teamed up with football kit designers as part of a project to help improve engagement, broaden awareness of career opportunities, and raise aspirations.
The Brighter Futures United programme sees pupils take part in Spark Design Academy’s Pro Designer course to design football kits.
Participants develop their own kit concepts and design choices as well as the manufacturing process, gaining insight into the journey from initial inspiration to finished product.
The Sunderland youngsters were able to build a portfolio of creative work while working towards an NCFE Level 2 Customised Qualification.
Spark Design Academy’s CEO Craig Buglass brought decades of experience working with leading international brands, including Nike, Dunhill, Belstaff, Lululemon and Puma.
Before embarking on the course, one Academy 360 pupil said: “I was intrigued because I thought, how on earth am I in the same room as people who designed a World Cup football kit?
“You’d never think that people who had done something so big would come to our school, but they did. I’m most excited about the possibility that I might be able to have a future in this industry. Having a qualification that other people might not have is always good on your CV.”
Throughout the project the youngsters were supported by mentors from MCR Pathways, a national charity that helps to support disadvantaged children achieve their potential.
Craig said: “We’re thrilled to join forces with MCR Pathways in this truly innovative collaboration, bringing creative learning and trusted adult relationships together to open up new possibilities for young people in Sunderland.
“By investing in young people today, we can help make tomorrow full of promise, fresh opportunities and bigger dreams for the next generation. Through industry-inspired learning, we want to help young people discover their talents, develop new skills and see where their creativity could take them. We couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead and the brighter futures we can help build together.”
Sharon McIntyre, CEO of MCR Pathways, added: “We’re thrilled and proud to partner with Spark Design Academy, an organisation that shares our unwavering commitment to supporting young people.
“Through trusted adult volunteer mentor relationships, industry-led skills development, and consistent support, this collaboration combines mentoring with Spark Design Academy’s innovative model to help young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
“By investing in young people's potential today to empower the future workforce, this partnership helps them realise their capabilities and build the self-belief needed to pursue creative career aspirations, progressing into positive destinations such as further education, higher education, apprenticeships, training, or employment.”
While football kit design is the starting point, the learning extends beyond the pitch. Participants will explore the wider creative process, including innovation, manufacturing, communication and presentation, developing transferable skills they can take into further education, apprenticeships, employment and other areas of life.