Schoolchildren’s skills put to the test in sports day backed by Stoke City Community Trust

Schoolchildren from The Societas Trust have put their teamwork skills to the test in a sports and games day supported by Stoke City Community Trust.

Around 120 pupils from nine schools across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire took part in the event hosted at Stoke City’s Academy Dome.

Organised by The Societas Trust, the pupils participated in relay races and orienteering as well as traditional games such as hula hoop, rock, paper, scissors and building a tall tower.

Known as The Societas Social, the event began with a procession and ended with a closing ceremony including a certificate presentation to all of the teams.

Each of the activities had a theme linked to the values of the Trust including collaboration, fairness, teamwork, and physical health and wellbeing for all.

Jon Lovatt, Chief Executive Officer, The Societas Trust, said: “Working together on practical activities outside of the classroom and meeting others really supports children with their social and emotional development and wellbeing.”

He added: “Whilst they’re having fun, they are also mixing with others from different schools and backgrounds, developing their teamwork skills and resilience. A big ‘thank you’ to our staff for all their hard work organising the event and to Stoke City Community Trust for their generous support.”

Deborah O’Neill, Schools Workforce Development Officer, Stoke City Community Trust, added: “Supporting schools in creating positive physical activities for their pupils is a key focus of Stoke City Community Trust.

“The atmosphere on the day was incredible. Lots of engaged, happy children took part in a variety of active teamwork challenges in our Academy Dome. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with The Societas Trust at this event.”

The schools involved in the event, held on 20th June 2025, included Alsagers Bank Primary Academy, Ash Green Primary Academy, Ball Green Primary School and Burnwood Primary Academy.

Pupils from Carmountside Primary Academy, Ellison Primary Academy, Gladstone Primary Academy, Goldenhill Primary Academy and Summerbank Primary Academy also took part.

Members of the Trust’s student council were involved in interviewing the teams for the school newsletter.

The student council members, known as the RUGS, are selected by their schools for a two-year period and meet each term. They help to design and report on activity days and organise charity fundraising projects.

Children from across The Societas Trust also helped to design the presentation certificates. A pupil at Carmountside Primary Academy created the winning design.

Roger Machin, Co-Vice Chair, The Societas Trust, added: “As always, this was an excellent and well-organised event. The joy and excitement of participants was great to see and the interaction and friendship between students from different schools was obvious. My thanks go to all members of staff and the team at Stoke City Community Trust for making this such a memorable day for the children.”