Football clubs back search for new crowd songs
Minister for Further Education and Birmingham Erdington MP Sion Simon has given his backing to a campaign to encourage football fans to focus on their literacy skills – by using their wit, imagination and love of the game to pen new football chants.
The Get On campaign – which aims to encourage people with numeracy and literacy skills needs to access the range of support available - is calling on fans to pen new chants for - and show that the region is top of the league when it comes to the time-honoured traditions of terrace talent.
Clubs backing the search include Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Walsall, who will be distributing entry cards to fans. Nationally, football stars Fernando Torres, and Ryan Giggs and Barnsley poet Ian McMillan are supporting the competition.
Sion Simon said: “We need to be innovative in attracting adults back into learning - especially those who may not have enjoyed school. Through activities like the Get On Chant Competition, we aim to inspire some of the 5.2 million adults in Englandwho struggle with their English to consider brushing up or improving their skills.
"By enrolling on a free course, they can transform their lives both at home and at work. The courses offer an entirely different experience from school days and can lead to a nationally recognised qualification."
Prizes include pairs of tickets for Football League matches. Entries can be submitted at www.direct.gov.uk/geton or by posting one of the thousands of entry cards distributed at stadiums.
* Adults who would like to 'brush up' on literacy and numeracy skills can enrol on a free course by calling the Get On campaign hotline on 0800 66 0800.
