Story added: 25th July 2022

Riley Buttle named Norwich City’s Premier League Primary Stars ‘Superstar’ as schools programme marks five-year anniversary

The Premier League is celebrating five years of its schools programme, Premier League Primary Stars. 

Launched in 2017 and available to every primary school in England and Wales, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to support pupils in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field. 

To celebrate, clubs have nominated a ‘Superstar’ – a young person or teacher who has inspired others through their dedication to the programme, enthusiasm and own personal development. 

One person who has benefitted from their involvement in the programme is Riley Buttle, who has been named as Norwich City’s Superstar by the Community Sports Foundation.

Riley, who attends Magdalen Gates Primary School, was chosen based on his reading attainment scores, in-class engagement and overall fantastic behaviour in lessons, despite his dyslexia and some of the learning difficulties and obstacles he faces. 

As part of the nomination, Riley was presented with a Nike Strike football by Emma Taylor, the Foundation’s Primary Stars Development Officer. The ball was provided by Premier League partner Nike.

Riley’s Primary School were also presented with a framed, limited-edition five-year anniversary illustration, created by graphic designer and digital illustrator Zem Clarke, which will be displayed in the school. 

The Foundation began its Premier League Primary Stars delivery in 2017, and this academic year alone, has supported over 1,500 students and teachers from over 90 schools in East Anglia. The Foundation has also delivered over 430 hours of class sessions and over 120 competitions and sports days.

Riley’s Primary school, Magdalen Gates, came on board with Premier League Primary Stars in September 2021.  

Schools’ Programme Manager, Asa Saunders, congratulated Riley on the award: 

“Riley is a pupil who has had many challenges and was identified by the school to us so that he could benefit from Emma’s Primary Stars delivery. allow him an opportunity to engage with the Primary Stars delivery. From my observations, Riley massively improved how he connects with others and showed  fairness with others in the class thanks to Emma’s fantastic delivery. He demonstrated an increase in engagement and a new willingness to learn.

“Riley also attended the aspiration visit to Carrow Road where he was fantastically behaved and frequently asked questions about the club. He was a great kid to have in the programme, and we hope he enjoys his prize!”