Photo: Courtesy of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation
Pupils across Norfolk have been enjoying a taste of professional sport, as Norwich City Football Club inspired meals were served in schools through the return of the Active Canaries programme.
Now in its third year, Active Canaries is delivered in partnership with the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation. The initiative continues to help children discover the benefits of healthy eating, physical activity and overall wellbeing in a fun and engaging way.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 programme reached more than 11,000 young people across the county. Through this partnership, Active Canaries brings together education, nutrition and movement to encourage healthier habits from an early age. Activities included a menu takeover day, interactive sessions and a special assembly.
As part of the programme, pupils heard inspiring messages from Norwich City first team players Forward Jovon Makama and Goalkeeper Vladan Kovačević, and Norwich City Women’s Defender Grace Riglar who all shared how nutrition supports their performance on the pitch.
The menu has been designed by Daniel Savage, Head Executive Chef for the First Team and Jack Richardson, Lead Performance Nutritionist at Norwich City Football Club, in collaboration with our own menu development team.
It offers something distinctive, placing healthy choices at its core while showcasing the types of meals eaten by local icons. The aim is to encourage pupils to try new foods and understand how nutrition supports energy, wellbeing and performance.
Our Active Canaries menu
Team Makama: Loaded Sweet Potato Wedges
Team Riglar: Katsu Chicken Curry
Team Kovacevic: Apple and Cinnamon Crumble Muffin
Pupils also received player recipe cards to take home, helping to extend the experience beyond the classroom and encourage conversations about healthy eating with their families.
As part of our ongoing strategic partnership with the Community Sports Foundation, we are proud to bring together nutritious food and inclusive activities, helping to enrich school life while supporting healthier, stronger communities.
“The Active Canaries programme continues to grow with the support of Norse Group. Bringing together expertise from elite sport and those working with children every day helps us show that healthy choices are accessible to everyone.”
Stevie Bramble, Director of Education and Programmes at Norwich City Community Sports Foundation
“We were proud to support Active Canaries and the impact it has had in our schools. Helping children understand the importance of nutrition, activity and wellbeing from an early age creates strong foundations for healthier futures, and through partnership working, we can reach more communities and make a lasting difference.”
Justin Galliford, Chief Executive Officer, Norse Group
