Article Details

The initiative "SLR – Le Foot" integrates French language learning with football to engage boys, who traditionally show lower interest in continuing language studies. SCILT collaborated with four Glasgow-based secondary schools to pilot this interdisciplinary competition in 2021-22, expanding nationally in 2022-23 to 17 schools. The project covers topics like sports, personal introductions, healthy living, and French-speaking cultures, using football as an engaging context. Students create football drills and videos in French, encouraging creativity and practical language use. Beyond language skills, the project supports broader educational goals such as Developing the Young Workforce, decolonizing the curriculum, and promoting anti-racism and global citizenship.  

Football, with its global appeal, motivates students, particularly boys, by presenting "French disguised as football." This dynamic approach also enhances employability skills, intercultural competence, and understanding of colonial history, making it relevant to global careers. The project’s transferable skills can be applied to other languages like German or Spanish, promoting multilingualism. The competition's focus on real-world applications makes language learning both relevant and fun, fostering cultural awareness and critical thinking. Ultimately, the integration of football and language learning not only improves linguistic abilities but also prepares students for a diverse, interconnected world.