Powering Coventry children’s futures at latest E.ON Next ‘Kids in Sport’ event

In a powerful fusion of innovation, inspiration, and sustainability, more than 70 pupils from John Shelton Primary School visited the CBS Arena for a transformative day exploring the future of green careers and STEM opportunities mixed with fun sports activities.

E.ON Next hosted the Kids in Sport event as part of its broader programme of initiatives aimed at supporting local communities.

And when the partnership across sport, energy, and media was brought together at the Coventry Building Society Arena, it became an electrifying showcase of how learning can come alive when curiosity meets purpose.

However, our immersive day of activities wasn’t just about education.

It was about raising aspirations – and helping young minds see themselves as tomorrow’s coders, engineers, doctors, broadcasters and climate leaders.

From stadium tours to sustainability simulations

Kicking off at 9am on June 5, the Coventry Building Society Arena – more commonly home to roaring football crowds – was reimagined as a buzzing hub of hands-on science and future-facing learning.

Children aged 8 to 12 engaged in a rich programme of challenges and workshops designed to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering and maths, all while threading in the pressing theme of environmental sustainability.

Among the most talked-about experiences was a custom-built sustainability game.

This interactive journey helped children understand how simple daily habits – including  switching off lights or reusing water bottles – can ripple outward into meaningful global impact.

The message was clear: small changes can lead to big shifts.

Elsewhere, an engineering challenge brought sustainability to life through creative construction, and a live coding lab introduced children to the basics of software development.

For many, the behind-the-scenes tour of the CBS Arena, including the players’ tunnel, pitch-side benches and media centre, was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

Yet even this was laced with purpose: to highlight the diverse careers within the sports industry that rely on STEM disciplines.

Hands-on, minds-on learning

Children also had the rare opportunity to learn essential first aid and resuscitation skills from a professional sports doctor – an experience that was both empowering and potentially lifesaving.

Meanwhile, another highlight saw pupils step in front of the camera under the expert coaching of professional TV presenters.

They were in the capable hands of presenter, event host and media trainer Amber Jones who has a passion for promoting female progression in sport – particularly in motorsports.

Amber, who also co-hosts the Top of the Grid podcast with fellow presenter Scarlett Archer, an award-winning actress, presenter and commentator and regular presenter for Sky News FYI and ESPN.

The pair’s mini media training sessions provided not only fun, but also built confidence and communication skills.

Scarlett said: “The event was fantastic. It’s amazing being able to inspire young people and teach them all about the world of media.

“Seeing their confidence grow is really rewarding and the energy they have is amazing.

“They really love all the different sections of the event and it’s fantastic that they get to learn so much.”

Throughout the day, children also competed in the high-octane Batak reaction challenge – sharpening focus, coordination, and quick thinking, while experiencing the thrill of sporting performance tech.

The pupils also got to test out their football skills as part of the Inflatable Shoot Game hosted by Coventry’s Sky Blues In The community – the official charity of Coventry City Football Club, aspiring to make positive impacts across all areas of our community through sport and education.

Each child left with a goody bag, a commemorative T-shirt, and – far more importantly – a deeper awareness of the possibilities that await in the worlds of science, sport, energy, and sustainability.

Inspiring the future, today

As the world races toward a net zero future, events like these offer more than educational value. 

They offer hope.

In just one day, these children learned the future isn't something that just happens – it’s something they can help shape.

And with the energy buzzing around the Coventry Building Society Arena, it's clear the future is looking bright in Coventry – and greener than ever.

For more information about our Kids in Sports events, visit here.