Premier League’s West Bromwich Albion partner with THINK! for road safety drive
CHILDREN from a Smethwick school have helped launched a new road safety initiative in partnership with Premier League club West Bromwich Albion and the THINK! child road safety campaign.
Schoolchildren Adnan Mohammed, 9, Sofia Islam, 8, Ayesha Kauser, 8, Thanya Akthar, 9, Umar Khan, 9, and Olumide Adigun, 9, from Galton Valley Primary School in Smethwick braved the freezing weather to pose with Albion mascot Baggie Bird.
West Bromwich Albion will use its after-school clubs and activities in schools and on match days to help youngsters learn about road safety with THINK!’s Tales of the Road materials.
The new initiative will focus on helping six to 11-year-olds learn how to find safe places to cross the road after evidence showed that this is a key factor in helping children stay safe on the roads.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “Britain’s roads are among the safest in the world but last year more than 1,600 children were killed or seriously injured – that’s 31 children every week.
“We need to think of new ways to reach children and make sure that they are given the skills they need to keep themselves safe on the roads as they grow up and gain independence.”
Over the forthcoming weeks West Bromwich Albion FC will work with ten primary schools across Sandwell, using various fun activities in and out of the classroom to help youngsters learn about road safety with THINK!’s Tales of the Road materials.
Anna Pincher, education and learning development manager at the West Bromwich Albion Foundation said: “We’ve got lots of great activities in store for kids across Sandwell and are thrilled to be a part of this new THINK! initiative.
“It’s essential for children’s development that they stay healthy and active. We want to show kids that by following a few basic road safety rules they can avoid road accidents and the consequences associated with them – such as not being able to play the sports or games that they love!”
