The national curriculum and subsequent QCA Guidance for Citizenship at Key Stage 3 make it clear that the knowledge and skills elements should be taught together, and that one productive way to approach this is through study of topical and contemporary issues.

One of the main reasons for such a requirement is that this will help students to understand the relevance of Citizenship education to their lives and the lives of those around them. In making Citizenship relevant to them, this approach should also help to motivate young people to learn about issues that are of interest to them, but also of significance to their communities and the wider society of which they are members. This project takes football as its starting point as it is an issue that continues to motivate discussion and debate, and is felt to be important to many people's lives and identities.

By relating aspects of the Citizenship programme of study to a topic that is of interest to many young people, Citizenship should become a space where children can bring their own opinions and expertise to bear on discussions. They should also be encouraged to reflect on their opinions and experiences and gain an insight into the views and experiences of others.

This project will support aspects of the QCA Citizenship Key Stage 3 Scheme of Work, Unit 8, 'Leisure and Sport in the Local Community'.