News

'To Affinion and Beyond' project draws to a close

05 Dec 2011

‘To Affinion and Beyond’ is a 10 week community based project aimed at finding a hypothetical new location for Portsmouth Football Club’s stadium. The joint project is sponsored by Affinion International and delivered by the Education Team at the Pompey Study Centre. The ‘Gifted and Talented’ pupils from Miltoncross School and Mayfield School have been very busy. As well as ground breaking design and features, the pupils have had to incorporate the needs of the local community in their final designs.
The pupils have been looking at a range of different topics including market research, the history of the Club, budgeting, design processes and the importance of working as a cohesive unit, to aid in the development of their project designs. They have been supported by representatives from Affinion joining in with the classroom sessions to help the pupils develop their ideas. The groups have also visited Fratton Park, Reading FC’s Madjeski Stadium and the University of Portsmouth’s School of Architecture.
Fiona Johnston, UK HR Director of Affinion International, added: ‘“We are delighted to be working on this year’s initiative which supports the growth of numeracy, literacy and ICT skills in school children. The links that Pompey Study Centre have with the local schools gives us an opportunity to raise our awareness of what’s needed in the community and to try and meet those needs by offering solutions and financial support. We have been fortunate to be able to add value and support to this local project by involving staff from across the business. Whilst working closely with the Study Centre, we have been particularly impressed with their flexibility and innovative approach whilst allowing us to fully participate and contribute to this fantastic project. I am looking forward to developing our relationship with them and progressing the initiatives we have discussed”
The stadium designs and project details have now been finalised. But in the New Year, the pupils will have to put forward their designs to a specially selected ‘To Affinion and Beyond’ Panel, who will choose the ultimate winning design based on a number of criteria.