ABU DHABI, Ahead of annual World Play Day on 28th May, Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has partnered with Manchester City Football Schools UAE to deliver the ‘Healthy Lifestyles’ programme to primary school students aged 4-8.
The programme, currently in its pilot phase, is part of ECA’s World Early Childhood Development (WED) Movement, a platform launched in 2021 under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Crown Prince Court and Chairman of the ECA.
WED recognises the importance of play in the cognitive and physical development of young children, and gathers global experts and innovators who have come together to develop effective strategies and programmes to positively impact the development of young children, and further innovate in the early childhood sector in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
To date, the WED ‘Healthy Lifestyles’ programme for young primary school kids has been delivered to approximately 900 students in 11 schools across Abu Dhabi. Based on the success of this pilot programme, ECA and Manchester City Football Schools UAE will expand their partnership, aiming to reach more than 2,000 kids aged 4-8 years old, in the next academic year.
Delivered by specially-trained Manchester City Football Schools coaches, the Healthy Lifestyle in-school programme consists of two fun and interactive lessons – one theory and one practical – that teach children the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle, all key priorities of the WED Movement.
Sana Mohamed Suhail, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), said, “The concept of ‘play’ is often overlooked, and is therefore not adequately planned into a child’s routine both at home and at school. Structured and unstructured play with others and active living are key to helping children grow into healthy adults and develop important social skills, such as learning sharing, tolerance and understanding, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and language skills. World Play Day is an excellent reminder of this incredibly important element in a child’s development.”
Suhail continued by saying, “In light of this, supporting the Healthy Lifestyle Programme and working alongside Manchester City Football Schools UAE was a natural partnership. With a shared goal of ensuring the best opportunity for children to further their physical and cognitive development, we’re excited to see this roll-out and look forward to further helping parents and teachers hone their skills on how they can support play – in this case, through football.”
Simon Hewitt, Senior Manager, Football Operations MENA – Football Education, City Football Services said, “The Healthy Lifestyles programme is very much part of our philosophy, and the power of football encourages children to make smart choices that can last a lifetime.
“We started the Healthy Lifestyles programme in the UAE five years ago, reaching thousands of young teens. We are delighted to have the opportunity to adapt the curriculum for a younger age group, and look forward to its continued delivery with the Early Childhood Authority, as part of its important WED movement.”
Pearl Academy teacher, Joey Marcroft said, “We have had a mix of theory and practical sessions with a variety of year groups. The children have benefited immensely from this program, and we are so excited to be part of it. The Healthy Lifestyles programme has developed the children’s knowledge on how to eat healthier and drink more water, and how this can positively affect your body.”
Source: Emirates News Agency