Derby County Football Club and Community Trust are championing the NSPCC’s call to schools and nurseries across Derbyshire to take part in a maths-inspired fundraiser this Friday, with players taking part in a specially filmed game to support the event.

Number Day is an annual event aimed at children in nurseries, primary and secondary schools, with teachers and pupils raising vital funds for the NSPCC while having fun with maths.

This year’s event takes place today, and has seen free curriculum-based activities available for schools across the country to download to help liven up their lessons while raising funds for the children’s charity.

The football club has shared a video of players including Curtis Davies, Max Bird, Jason Knight, Eiran Cashin and Louie Sibley taking part in a number-themed game, Rams Bingo. The club’s mascot Rammie has also paid a visit to the two local schools to help inspire maths fun with the children.

Simon Carnall, Head of Community for Derby County Football Club, said: “As we continue to grow the relationship between Derby County Football Club and the NSPCC, we’re delighted to be supporting Number Day.

“Our schools and coaching team are looking forward to delivering activities in a number of our partner schools and we hope that significant funds are raised to support the ongoing, important work at the NSPCC.”

Since Number Day was first launched in 2000, it has raised nearly £3 million for the NSPCC. Last year, 5,000 schools got involved with Number Day and raised £400,000.

Funds raised from Number Day could help support vital NSPCC services such as Childline and the charity’s Speak out Stay safe programme, which sees the NSPCC visit primary schools and teach children how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect, and who to talk to if they are worried. Within the last year, 22,997 children from 112 schools in Derby and Derbyshire took part in the NSPCC’s online Speak Out Stay Safeprogramme.

Rosie Murden, NSPCC’s Schools Coordinator for Derbyshire, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with Derby County Football Club’s support and enthusiasm for Number Day.

“By taking the lead, the club will help us reach out and connect with schools and nurseries across the region while helping to inspiring children by making numbers and maths education fun.”