Copy of ESB Social Mobility and Oracy

Manchester International Football Academy players celebrate a win through the power of effective oral communication.

Ross Johnson, Manchester International Football Academy (MIFA)

"With several our players coming from lower tier socio- economic backgrounds (25% of children in Salford live in poverty 2016), and a number from migrant families whose first language is not English, there is a strong need to facilitate upward social mobility at MIFA. The essence of our classes is for learners to understand, as individuals, what benefits they can achieve through the power of effective oral communication. Learners start to talk to their group using topics that are interesting; in the MIFA academy, that’s normally football! Appraising matches, commentating on games, discussing the merits of different team tactics always brings discussions alive.  Group dynamics allow for participants to inspire each other as they work towards a final assessment. Fresh skills and techniques are adopted, allowing learners’ new levels of confidence to emerge, resulting in a bright and engaging pupil. During the final assessment learners are encouraged to make a presentation, read from a book, ask questions of each other and be interviewed for an appropriate job role. Success is measured by the students’ outcomes. Some pass interviews and transition into the world of work whilst others move into further and higher education. Without doubt, ESB courses have facilitated upward social mobility for learners. Their increased confidence, combined with new oral skills, helps break the learners’ perceived boundaries of social class."

To find out more about MIFA, go to www.manchesterinternationalfootballacademy.com

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