SCHOOLCHILDREN have been using football to learn about new countries and boost their geography skills.

Two Village Primary School, in Ramsey, held a fun competition based around the European Championships.

Pupils were set the challenge of researching their favourite team’s country using atlases or the internet to produce colourful information sheets.

A vast array of countries were covered, including England, Scotland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey and Denmark.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Ball skills - Harry Barton, six, with his winning entry and prize

Ball skills - Harry Barton, six, with his winning entry and prize

The children learnt fascinating facts about languages, populations, flags, traditional dishes, unusual animals and even famous buildings and landmarks.

Tacita Styant, the school’s geography lead teacher, said: “I’m so proud of the children for their enthusiasm, research and presentation skills.

“They’re looking beyond the football and learning all about new countries, which is absolutely brilliant.

“The winning children used geographical skills like drawing maps or symbols and the winner, Harry Barton, clearly labelled his map of Spain.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: Proud of his work - Max Harrison, seven, achieved second place

Proud of his work - Max Harrison, seven, achieved second place

Six-year-old Harry won a Three Lions England football.

In second place was Max Harrison, seven, who chose Denmark for his poster fact sheet, and third place went to Libbi Brown, ten, who also chose Denmark.

Headteacher Natasha Bennett said: “This has been a fabulous competition.

“We’ve had so many children choosing to take part and definitely have some very knowledgeable geographers here at Two Village.

“A huge well done to our three winners and everyone who took part.”

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