Kick it in to touch - Anti Academies Alliance (AAA) warn Premier League bosses to “give free schools the boot”.

Published: 27 August 2010
by TOM FOOT

STATE education campaigners will protest outside the headquarters of the Premier League over proposals to set up “free schools” for young footballers.

The Anti Academies Alliance (AAA) is writing to Premier League bosses warning them to “give free schools the boot”.

The Premier League has expressed an interest in education reforms that would give the government-funding to run schools that hone young players’ football skills while giving them a basic education.

Islington teacher and AAA spokesman Ken Muller said: “We believe the Premier League can play a far more positive role by helping to defend and promote sport in existing schools.

“This means forging closer links with more schools and helping to secure decent sports facilities for every school. The talent is already there and we don’t need new free schools to find it.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: “We want every child to have a premier-league education and would be very happy to talk to the Premier League about setting up schools.”

The AAA will protest outside the Premier League offices in Gloucester Place, Mayfair, on Tuesday from 9am.