Countryside Classroom is delighted to welcome Cooking 4 Champions as its newest partner organisation, joining our growing network of educators, farmers, food producers, and environmental advocates who are inspiring the next generation to understand and value where their food comes from.

Cooking 4 Champions is a dynamic educational initiative that helps young people build essential life skills through hands-on cooking, nutrition education, and food confidence. Their fun, practical approach encourages students to explore healthy eating, food sustainability, and the importance of fresh, locally produced ingredients — all themes that align perfectly with Countryside Classroom’s mission.

At the heart of Cooking 4 Champions is lead educator Zena Weeks, who shows children how food fuels not only elite performance but also everyday energy, learning, and play. Drawing on her experience working with athletes and young people alike, Zena brings food education to life by helping children understand the powerful link between what they eat and how they feel and perform.

Zena is also the author of “Recipes for Performance Sport,” a book that celebrates the role of nutritious, balanced meals in supporting both physical performance and overall wellbeing. Her passion for helping young people make informed food choices shines through in every session and resource developed by Cooking 4 Champions.

Supporting this mission are programme ambassadors Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, professional footballers who are passionate about inspiring children to see the connection between nutrition, sport, and wellbeing. Both ambassadors are hands-on in supporting the programme, taking part in workshops and sharing their own experiences of how food fuels their performance on and off the pitch.

Jacob and Morgan see their involvement as part of their legacy — helping to root children in a lifelong understanding of the role food plays in sport, health, and everyday life. Their commitment adds an exciting, aspirational dimension to the Cooking 4 Champions experience, showing pupils that the lessons they learn in the kitchen can empower them in every area of life.

"lessons they learn in the kitchen can empower them in every area of life."

By joining the Countryside Classroom partnership, Cooking 4 Champions will make their innovative teaching materials and programmes available to schools nationwide. From videos of how to cook healthy recipes  to interactive in school cooking challenges that promote teamwork and confidence, their resources will help teachers bring food and nutrition to life in the classroom.

Zena Weeks said ...

“Cooking 4 Champions is about more than teaching children how to cook — it’s about showing them how food fuels performance, learning, and wellbeing. As Morgan Rogers’ private chef, I see first-hand how nutrition underpins success at the highest level. With Ambassadors Morgan Rogers and Jacob Ramsey, we’re proud to leave a legacy that combines food, sport, and education to inspire the next generation.”

This partnership strengthens Countryside Classroom’s shared goal of connecting children with food, farming, and the natural environment. We look forward to seeing the exciting opportunities this collaboration will bring to schools across the UK.