E.ON Next showcases sports career pathways to primary school pupils in Cardiff

Now in its third year, the programme has travelled across the UK, showcasing a variety of sports to pupils, including football, motorsport, netball and tennis. Alongside encouraging physical activity, the sessions are designed to broaden students’ awareness of the diverse roles that support the industry, from healthcare and performance science to media, design and energy management. 

At Springwood Primary School, 51 pupils from Years 5 and 6 took part in the day’s activities, which
combined practical sessions with insights into future career possibilities. Key highlights from the event
included:

• Football skills session: featuring drills and small-sided games, helping to build speed, agility and a better understanding of how the game is played.
• Media & Presenting workshop: led by sports broadcaster Sam Hearst, focused on developing
  confidence in public speaking alongside communication and literacy skills.
• Sports First Aid: the children explored emergency responses and learning how to manage minor
  injuries as well as more serious situations where CPR might be needed.
• STEM & Sustainability: focused showcase introduced pupils to the growing importance of science
  and technology in sport, including interactive activities such as a Sustainable Development Goals
  panel game and coding exercises using SPHERO balls through football-themed challenges.
• Energy in Sport: this involved a cycle-powered car track racing game where the children use the
  power of pedalling to generate electricity which powers their car around the circuit, tying in both
  the concept of sport and energy.

The day concluded with selected pupils being recognised for their energy, effort and involvement throughout the various sessions, with awards given across each activity. In addition, all participants were provided with an E.ON Next sports kit, which included a branded bag, water bottle, cap and notebook to take home.

Jade Ford, Family Engagement Officer, at Springwood Primary School, said:

“We were thrilled to welcome E.ON Next as they chose our school to host their Cardiff ‘Kids in Sport’ event. The workshops they delivered were both engaging and educational, giving our pupils a valuable insight into the wide range of careers available in sport. For our Year 5 and 6 pupils, who will soon be transitioning to secondary school, experiences like this are especially meaningful - helping to spark early interest in future career paths and subject choices.

“The children gave glowing feedback about each workshop, especially ‘Energy in Sport’, they had great fun converting bike power into a mini motorsport race! We would gladly welcome this event back anytime.”

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said:

“We couldn’t be prouder to have taken our touring Kids in Sport event series to Cardiff today, marking our first such event to take place in Wales.

“This inspirational programme has become one of the cornerstones of our educational offering. By turning learning spaces and playing fields into engaging spaces to spotlight career opportunities, we hope to be inspiring children to consider roles not only on the pitch but also the related roles that create sporting magic. From energy engineers to sustainability specialists, careers in sport are wide ranging and all important to the sector.

“We strongly believe that sport is not only about exercise, it’s also a great way to engage with students and a gateway to many life skills, which is why we look forward to taking this event series elsewhere in the country soon.”

This event comes shortly after a successful visit to Leigh Primary School in Birmingham in February where the children were able to participate in similar workshops. E.ON Next plan to host more ‘Kids in Sport’ events in the UK this year.