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REGIONAL BUSINESS MINISTER SCORES A GOAL FOR ENTEPRISE IN HULL

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 03 July 2009

Young entrepreneurs will today join Regional Business Minister, Rosie Winterton and stars from the world of football and rugby at the Hull KC stadium to launch the Hull Enterprise Academy.

With support from the Department for Business, the Premier League, Yorkshire Forward and Hull City Council, the Academy will take business out of the boardroom and into the class room - giving young football and rugby fans a chance to learn about enterprise using real examples from the Football and Rugby Club that they can relate to and understand.

Launching the scheme at the Hull KC stadium, Rosie Winterton will take part in a session with former England international Nick Barmby and Hull’s new Enterprise Champions, ex Hull football player, Andy McMillan and ex Hull FC and current Doncaster Rugby league player, Alex Benson.

The class will bring enterprise to life for year 9 students from the Malet Lambert Language College – giving them a unique insight into the day to day running of an exciting multinational business.

Regional Business Minister Rosie Winterton said:

“Enterprise has the power to inspire young people and create a 'can do' culture something which is key to the UK’s future growth and success in the current economic climate.

“Using real football and rugby club examples, this Enterprise Academy will teach young people how to manage a budget, raise finance and look after customers– essential skills for any young entrepreneur.”

Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore said:

“The scale of community activity and engagement that goes on at Premier League clubs was unimaginable even as little as ten years ago. However, our clubs are now involved in an enormous range of different projects, helping to tackle an equally wide variety of issues.

“The interest that many young people have in football means that Premier League clubs have a unique opportunity to be able to influence and educate. The world of business and enterprise is an example of how a subject, when linked to how a football club operates, is suddenly made that bit more interesting.”

1. Hull's Enterprise Academy will initially be funded by Yorkshire Forward and Hull City Council.

2. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Premier League, Enterprise Insight, Young People's Enterprise Forum, Hull City Council, professional clubs in the Community and Hull football and rugby clubs have all worked closely together to establish and launch the Premier League Enterprise Academy in Hull.

3. As well as improving understanding of business related issues, the football and rugby enterprise programmes will contribute to stretching students’ ability, confidence, adaptability and perseverance, whilst those who successfully complete this accredited course will receive a certificate from OCR Examinations. Over 1,200 pupils are expected to take part over the first two years.

4. The programme aims to "inspire and challenge" students and the following elements are proposed, using the football club as a real example that people can relate to and understand.

Introduction day at the stadium (to cover stadium tour with explanation of various staff roles and functions); How the professional clubs operate as businesses, including aims and objectives; Products and services; Marketing; Customer service; Challenges designed to improve enterprise skills; Learning about the world of work and enterprise; Career planning (including enterprise opportunities); and Helping promote enterprise messages to wider members of the local community. Incentives will be offered to encourage successful completion of the course, such as player visits or match tickets.

5. For more information on the Premier League/PFA Community Fund and the wide range of work delivered by Premier League clubs in the community, visit: www.premierleague.com

6. For more information about Hull FC contact, 01482 327 200 alternatively log on to www.hullfc.com