Football Video Game Tackles Primary School Reading Crisis

Cambridge, United Kingdom, January 08, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Nine percent of boys in England reach the age of 11 with, at best, the reading skills of an average seven-year-old. This figure equates to over 18,000 boys with seriously substandard literacy.

The shocking stats, obtained by the BBC’s Today programme also revealed that in some areas, such as Nottingham, Derby, Manchester, Rotherham and Telford the figure was closer to 15%.

Dylan William, professor at the Institute of Education, said it could be very hard for children struggling with their reading to catch up and that it had never been more important to be able to read to a decent standard.

He explained further: "Twenty years ago, you got a lot of information from television. Now it's the internet - you have to be more literate."

Mike Welsh, of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "Many primary head teachers, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities under social-economic challenge, regard the raising of boys' attainment, particularly in writing and reading, as one of their highest priorities.”

Leading children’s website, FA supported www.Footee.com, uses football themed games and content to engage educationally with boys between the ages of 7 and 14. The site has a strong focus on developing literacy skills, and covers all core parts of the National Curriculum Key Stage 2.

Managing Director of Footee.com Phil Clegg commented: “These disturbing figures are not a surprise to us. One of the key reasons we have created the Footee.com website is to motivate young boys from all backgrounds to develop their reading skills. Our site features hundreds of exciting games that reinforce and enhance school learning in this critical area.”

###