Two years ago, the Arsenal Football Club project caught the attention of the judges who awarded it with a European Award for Languages. The project involved the creation of resources based around football and Arsenal’s players to encourage both girls and boys to engage with languages through football.

The work of Arsenal Double club in promoting languages since then has been far-reaching and its influence in inspiring other language projects was evident during the judging process for this year. Not only has the club initiated many exciting projects of its own, but it has also inspired and motivated others to teach languages through football and other sports.

This year the judging panel recognises the work of the Double club by presenting Arsenal with an Outstanding contribution award. Organisers work tirelessly to offer exciting programmes combining languages and football with the aim of motivating young people to continue with their language studies to GCSE level.

Most recently the Double club has established links with European football clubs as part of the European Football Exchange programme. Pupils from England, Germany and Belgium have had the opportunity to visit football clubs aboard and improve their language and football skills as part of this exciting exchange project.

Language(s): German, French, Spanish and Portuguese

Arsenal in the community pioneers initiatives and provides a wide range of sport, education, social inclusion and diversity programmes. Double club languages began in 2006 and since then over 5000 pupils have completed the programme at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.