The project will be delivered as education activations to over 1,300 pupils at 22 different Birmingham schools, primarily within the Foundation’s target constituencies of Perry Barr, Ladywood and Erdington.

These will take place on 22 different days, providing an introductory coding session to the children, teachers and schools. It will run until the end of the Autumn Term 2022 and coincide with the start of the Commonwealth Games, as well as a post-games legacy piece of work.

The school workshops will feature Commonwealth Games themes such as Athletes, Stadiums, Perry the Mascot, Sports and Events - as well as embedding core values such as resilience, working together and desire to achieve - all key attributes of Commonwealth competitors.

Paul Hughes, Schools Manager at Aston Villa Foundation, commented:

“The funding from Millennium Point is greatly appreciated to allow us to be a driving force for STEM Education in Birmingham. By providing unique learning experiences, the resources and opportunities to experience technology our aim is to help and guide children to develop their skill set for an ever-advancing technological world.”

Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point, commented:

“This project is the perfect example of why we do what we do - to promote STEM education across the region and increase the opportunities for the next generation via some of the most exciting career paths available.

“Aston Villa is the epitome of how STEM careers run throughout sport - from physiologists and nutritionists to sports equipment designers and grounds people. We hope this project will give children a small insight into the amazing opportunities that are on offer to them.”

To find out more about grants from the Millennium Point Trust: www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/trust/grants/