QPR Football Club under 17s' coach, Joe Gallen, helped pupils at Phoenix High celebrate the success of a £1.2 million programme to boost achievement at the school and strengthen links with the community.

The Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (PNRP) was set up at the school in March 2001 with a three-year regeneration grant from the Government.

The PNRP Celebration Evening took place in the main hall at Phoenix High School, on Wednesday (3 March). It featured performances by drummers, keyboard players, DJs and dancers from the school, as well as displays showing the wide range of PNRP projects. The event was attended by parents and guests from the community, including council leader Cllr Andrew Slaughter.

Joe Gallen, a former Republic of Ireland international footballer, spoke and presented certificates of achievement to about 100 pupils and parents who have been involved with PNRP projects, including:
"Students involved with the Studio One project, which involves work in recording and production, and 3D computer animation. Phoenix High's state-of-the-art video and music studio, Studio One, was set up with PNRP money
"The Active Planet Summer Programme 2003, including football and basketball skills, and dance, which was funded by the PNRP. Careers, fitness and citizenship workshops were included in the scheme, attended by Phoenix High pupils and a number of children from the local community.

Joe Gallen said: "I am delighted to be associated with such a worthwhile project. As a club, Queens Park Rangers fully appreciate the need for strong links between institutions and the local community; the work of Phoenix High School should be applauded. The projects that have been developed are fantastic and provide a real opportunity for students to participate in some exciting activities."

Philippa Berry, PNRP acting co-ordinator at Phoenix High, said: "The celebration evening was a chance to show the wide range of activities taking place through the programme and the level of enthusiasm with which young people have been involved in them. We really want their achievements to be recognised."

William Atkinson, headteacher of Phoenix High School, says: "The Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme has been building steadily over the last three years and the PNRP Celebration Evening enabled children, parents, staff, governors and members of the community to see how the school and students are reaping the benefits."

Cllr Slaughter said: "The Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme is an innovative scheme to improve pupils' motivation and skills, as well as strengthen links with other local organisations. It has injected £1.2 million over the last three years to improve opportunities and break down barriers, funding innovative projects run in partnership with local stakeholders such as QPR Football Club and the BBC. I am delighted that the PNRP has received a further £900,000 funding over the next two years to enable this excellent work to continue
The pupils who have taken part in PNRP activities have shown tremendous commitment and creativity, which this event celebrated."