At The Changing Education Group, we believe growth doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it happens on the pitch, in the community, and through every opportunity to learn, lead, and connect.
That’s why we’re proud to announce our sponsorship of the Under 9s Stockport Vikings Football Club for the next two seasons.

Why Are We Supporting Grassroots Sport?

This sponsorship reflects our wider mission: empowering young people through opportunity and experience.

As part of this partnership:

• Every one of the 30 players will receive a brand-new kit
• Each kit proudly displays The Changing Education Group logo
• The initiative promotes teamwork, pride, and local engagement

For these young players, it’s more than just a football kit, it’s a badge of confidence and community.

“It’s fantastic to give back to the community and support these young players as they develop, not only as footballers, but as future leaders.”

– Matthew Hodgkinson, Co-Founder & Coach at Stockport Vikings

What Does Sport Teach That the Classroom Can’t?

We work with schools every day, but we also know that some of the most powerful lessons happen off-timetable.

Football teaches:

• Resilience: Learning how to lose, get back up, and try again
• Teamwork: Understanding roles, respect, and working toward shared goals
• Discipline: Showing up, training hard, and committing to growth
• Confidence: Realising your voice, value, and impact in a group

These are the same skills that make a difference in school, work, and life.

How Does This Link Back to Our Mission?

We’re not just about work experience and careers guidance, we’re about building well-rounded, future-ready individuals.

By supporting the Stockport Vikings:

• We’re embedding our mission into the heart of local communities
• We’re helping young people feel seen, supported, and inspired
• We’re reminding schools, families, and students that every skill counts

From the pitch to the workplace, we know that real learning happens through real experience, and we’re committed to creating more of it.

What’s Next for Our Community Partnerships?

This is just the start. We’re already exploring ways to:

• Work more closely with schools in Stockport and Greater Manchester
• Integrate sport and personal development into our wider programmes
• Connect education, wellbeing, and community impact

Because when we invest in young people beyond the classroom, we open up whole new pathways for confidence, purpose, and success.

Education Takes Many Forms, Including Football

Whether it’s on the pitch or in the classroom, we believe young people thrive when they’re supported, challenged, and inspired.
Our partnership with Stockport Vikings U9s is just one more way we’re investing in the next generation, helping them grow into strong, skilled, and confident individuals.

Email: workwithus@changingeducation.co.uk

Website: changingeducation.co.uk
Book a demo to explore our wider work with schools and communities.

FAQs:

What does the sponsorship involve?
We’re sponsoring the full team kit for two seasons and supporting wider engagement between football, education, and community impact.

Why sponsor a youth football team?
Because sport builds character, teamwork, and resilience, all key skills for life, learning, and leadership.

How does this link to The Changing Education Group’s work?
It reflects our commitment to whole-person development, helping students grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

Is this the first of other partnerships?
Yes. We’re actively exploring ways to support more local initiatives that align with our values and mission.

Can schools get involved in similar programmes?
Absolutely. If your school or trust would like to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.