The Premier League is launching their poetry competition for 2018, and this year, the theme is diversity.
You may remember last years collection of poems which were written by some very talented children along with some equally talented grown-ups. The poems were based on the word resilience, and I had the chance to not only meet a couple of the winners but get a copy of the book itself. A year later, Premier League is launching yet another poetry competition, which is open to children in years 1-6 who are currently in Primary & Junior schools across the UK. The competition is centred on the theme of diversity, inspired by a poem written by Joseph Coelho; teachers need to register and enter pupils work, either as a class or as individuals.
The Judges
The judges include former Premier League footballer Rio Ferdinand, singer and songwriter Olly Murs, Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate Lauren Child, poet Joseph Coelho. Casia Wiliam, current Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate) will guest judge all Welsh-language entries. All judging will be overseen by National Literacy Trust Director, Jonathan Douglas. They will be paying close attention to vocabulary, elements of poetry, originality and appeal. Most importantly, children’s poetry must be about diversity, and how that is represented within their work. Writing Stars resources will ask the following-
- How are you different and special?
- Why are differences so important?
- Can our differences bring us together to be part of the same team?
Prizes
Winners will be in with a chance to have their poems read by one the Premier League Star judges, a visit to their school by a Children’s author or to lead a poetry workshop. Fancy celebrating like a real football legend? Well, a Premier League Trophy could even make an appearance and take president in assembly! Not only that, winning Poems will be published in an official Premier League Writing Stars book with bespoke illustrations. You may receive an invitation to a national celebration event and the chance to meet other poets and special guests. All winning schools will get a Premier League Poetry book bag. Poems should be no more than 20 lines or 150 words. It should be creative; however, it doesn’t have to rhyme. Oh and apparently, the poem itself must be based on the theme of diversity. Is your child keen on taking part, but not quite sure if their school is entering? Why not ask and send the link – Premier League Writing Stars Be quick, you have until Friday 21 December 2018 to register and get those entries in. *Sponsored post, of course, all thoughts and opinions are my own*
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