Local school chosen to represent Club in Premier League Enterprise Challenge

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and a specialist panel of judges have selected a local school to represent the Club in this season’s Premier League Enterprise Challenge.

Running since 2009, now in partnership with Sport Relief, the Enterprise Challenge is a national initiative run by the Premier League. It sets Year 9 and 10 students a business-related task specifically based around football – 32 professional clubs from across the country take part.

For the first time, the competition to represent the Club was opened to Wembley schools in addition to those from Haringey, Enfield, Waltham Forest, Barnet and Hertfordshire. Taking part in the first heat held at Wembley Stadium were Ark Academy, St. Mary’s High, Enfield Grammar School and St. Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School.

Equipped with a brief from Premier League Executive Chairman, Richard Scudamore, this season’s topic is based around diversifying the fan base and making match days as enjoyable as possible for all.

The judging panel line-up consisted of Lee McQueen, winner of BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ in 2008, Chris Paouros, Co-Chair of Proud Lilywhites, Kevin Fitzgerald, Board Member of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust and Nick Harding, Deputy Manager at The Learning Zone, Wembley Stadium. Joining the judges in announcing the winner and presenting participants with the certificates was Club Ambassador, Ledley King.

Ledley said: “It’s a great experience for the students. I would have loved to have done something like this when I was their age. The experience they will take away from this, win or lose, will be so beneficial for them moving forward. They’ve all learned a lot in terms of working in a group and I think they’ve all received great feedback from the judges.”

Chris Paouros said: “It’s important to build the skills of young people and use football as a platform to do that. I’m really proud to be part of what the Club is doing and to see these young people flourish.”

Fellow judge McQueen added: “For the students to be able to come and learn new skills and even to take them away is really critical. We’ve had some fantastic ideas and I genuinely think we have a chance of winning.”

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation Enterprise Coordinator and Tutor, Myri Demetriou, added: “The Enterprise Challenge is a fantastic project that encourages our young people to take an interest in the business side of a top professional football club like Tottenham Hotspur.

“I am sure the chosen school will go to show great initiative that can help us go on and win the competition this year.”

It was St. Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School who were victorious and will be representing Tottenham Hotspur at the regional play-offs next year. The team brought a fresh approach with their ‘Tottenham Tots’ proposal, targeting young families.

Victoria, who was part of the team, said: “I’m very grateful to be a part of this. We’ve put in a lot of hard work and it’s been worth it. The experience has been amazing, and I won’t forget it.”

For more information about Premier League Enterprise Challenge, contact foundation@tottenhamhotspur.com