Premier League Skills kick off

The Premier League Skills project is up and running at Arsenal Football Club.

Speaking at the launch, Jacqui Henderson of the Learning and Skills Council said: 'We aim to use government funding to get more people engaged in learning so they can have a better life and contribute to their community and family.

'In the seven boroughs London Central works in, 18 per cent of those aged between 16 and 18 do not have a job, nor are they enrolled in a school, college or training course.

The Premier League Skills project targets two age groups. Sports Success is for those aged 16-19, who performed poorly at school and did not take-up post school educational opportunities, but are interested in football.

Assessing the skills and abilities of the youngsters on the field takes place during the first week to determine their individual coaching requirements. After that, a bespoke programme is mapped out for each of them. It may be short courses and units towards NVQs or acceptance on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. A coaching session is provided on a weekly basis at Arsenal FC. It runs for three days a week for six months.

Sports Success Junior is a personal and social development programme for 13 to 15 year olds who are experiencing some difficulty in and outside of school. The core programme focuses on a weekly training session at Arsenal Football Club, a before school breakfast club and personal development training by qualified staff. The aim is to improve attitude and behaviour and motivate young people to continue their education post-GCSE through academic or vocational routes.

A similar programme between Liverpool Hope University College and Liverpool Football Club is starting this month as part of the Peabody Hope Partnership. The Premier League Skills Project is funded by London Central and the Learning and Skills Council. Details: www.lsc.gov.uk / www.peabody.org.uk