Premier League and EA SPORTS FC launch Positive Play resource

Teachers from Merseyside were among the first in the country to experience a brand-new initiative from Premier League Primary Stars and EA SPORTS FC. It has been designed to boost teamwork, confidence and inclusion in primary schools.

On Thursday 27 November 2025, primary school educators from Everton in the Community partner schools joined a special webinar and live panel discussion at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The session explored how football can help pupils develop vital life skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership. Watch clips from the webinar here.

The event featured former Premier League footballer Joleon Lescott, England Lioness and BWSL star Nikita Parris. Education experts Elena Barton (Everton in the Community) and Helen Raley-Williams (headteacher, Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School) also spoke. Together, they discussed how teachers can use active play and positive team culture to support pupil wellbeing, belonging and success in and outside the classroom.

Joleon reflected on the wider value of sport for young people, saying:

“It’s not just about winning and losing, it’s about developing as people and young adults.”

Nikita highlighted the importance of communication and inclusion in team environments:

“The best team is not the best players – it’s the players who get the best out of each other… and the only way to do that is through communication.”

Launch of Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC

The webinar marked the official launch of Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC. This is a free Key Stage 2 resource now available through Premier League Primary Stars. It was developed with teachers, subject specialists and EA SPORTS FC FUTURES. The resource blends football, physical activity and gaming to engage pupils aged 7–11.

The new resource includes:

• In-game training drills from EA SPORTS FC 26
• Leadership, communication and accountability activities
• Practical ideas for PE, classroom tasks and playground sessions

Recent research shows that four in five young people say sport-themed video games motivate them to be active in real life. The Positive Play resource taps into that enthusiasm to make learning meaningful and fun.

Premier League director of community Nick Perchard said:

“The new Positive Play resource uses children’s passion for football to engage them in learning. It complements our suite of more than 650 free resources designed to help teachers use football to inspire pupils in the classroom and playground.”

EA SPORTS FC senior director of partnerships marketing, James Salmon, added:

“By combining in-game training, physical activity and teamwork-based learning, we’re helping pupils build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.”

Teachers can now watch highlights from the webinar and download the free Positive Play with EA SPORTS FC resource at plprimarystars.com.