Mapplewells Primary & Nursery School in Sutton-in-Ashfield recently held a vibrant celebration to mark its special community partnership with Mansfield Town Community Trust. Pupils arrived at school dressed in blue and yellow, the colors of Mansfield Town Football Club, to show their support. The day was filled with excitement as children met first-team players Deji Oshilaja and Frazer Blake-Tracy, along with club mascots Sally and Sammy, who led games and activities in the school playground.
Community Trust Presence at School
Stuart Grozier from the Community Trust works at the school four days a week to deliver PE lessons. He said: "We have linked children's activities today with our Community Day and we are pleased to see so many children are wearing blue and yellow, or Stags shirts to take part. We are also pleased to be able to bring two players from our first team to meet and support children in their activities, as well as Sally and Sammy, our club mascots."
Activities and Interactions
Every year group had the chance to join in, including playing games like Red Light, Green Light with the visitors. Many excited children brought in items for the players to sign throughout the afternoon. Year 2 pupil Riley said: "I love sports a lot, but my favourite is football. I really like meeting the players." Another pupil named Joshua was thrilled to have his Mansfield Stags shirt signed by his heroes. Joshua said: "I love football so much and I like Mansfield Stags. They win loads of matches and I like watching them. I am wearing my Stags shirt today and the footballers have signed it for me!"
Partnership Origins and Growth
The school's partnership with the trust began last summer with a sponsored football workshop. Natalie Blackwell, a teacher at the school, noted that the children previously raised over £5,400 to support the charity. The money was split between school funds and the trust to help support various local events. Since then, the partnership has grown to include interactive lunchtime clubs and inclusive after-school sessions. Natalie Blackwell said: "Last summer, Mapplewells began their partnership with the Mansfield Town Community Trust (MTCT) through a sponsored activity. Every child from F1 to Year 6 participated in a football workshop with the Mansfield Town Community Trust team and then had the opportunity to take part in a penalty shoot-out. The children managed to raise an incredible £5,457 which was split between the school and the MTCT charity. Fundraising like this helps the charity to support the community with various events."
Future Plans
The school hopes to hold more events like this in the future to keep the children engaged with local sport. Natalie added: "Today we held our first blue and yellow day, which was a day of promoting and supporting this partnership. Our children have dressed in blue and yellow to support the team, and were given the opportunity to meet the Mansfield Town Football Club mascots Sammy and Sally, alongside a question-and-answer session with players Frazer Blake-Tracy and Deji Oshilaja. Today has been a great success, and we hope to hold similar events alongside the charity in the future." The special visit on April 24, 2026, has left the pupils with memories they will cherish for a long time.
