On 5th March, Cobblers youth team players Ben Judd and Ross Oulton visited the Thomas Becket School's library to help celebrate World Book Day and to work with a group of year 8 students who have been taking part in the Double Club this term.

The lads answered pre-prepared questions from the youngsters based around reading, books, authors, types of reading and studying. Of course there were the usual football and general questions too. This information will be used for follow up literacy/ICT work in a later Double Club session.

Ben and Ross did well explaining their answers and had a laugh talking with the students about films, cars, famous footballers and pets. As all NTFC youth team players study sports-related courses at Moulton College, it shows school children what sorts of courses are available and how to balance work and study commitments. Thanks to the lads as well as Louise, the school librarian. These appearances always make a big impact on pupils and their learning.

Special reading-themed sessions followed, with students doing a 'programme trail' using NTFC match day programmes. They were asked to solve literacy and numeracy clues using reading skills such as scanning for key information, to solve a NTFC-themed crossword.

Next they read a chapter from 'Bend it Like Beckham'. The group discussed and wrote about how the lead character Jess felt when certain events occurred, such as getting fouled, getting sent off, scoring a goal and having racist abuse shouted at her. The group really got into the character's mind and explored various issues and themes within the book. Many students had a go a reading aloud, which was great to hear. The group watched the corresponding section of the tie-in DVD and chatted about whether the actors' facial expressions matched the feelings of the book's characters.

Earlier in the day, the students participated in their weekly practical session of multi-skills with Northamptonshire Sport coach Graeme Wilson. The 'double' experience of physical and educational sessions aims to motivate and engage students in their learning. Having NTFC players to interview provides an excellent opportunity for showing how the power of sport interests children in their schoolwork as well as an example of using sport across the curriculum.

To find out more about this project which is supported by NTFC and the Cobblers Study Centre, visit http://double.northantsstudycentres.org/