The Football Foundation has launched its Communicating for Success campaign, which aims to promote healthy living through improving personal communications skills through sport.

The £1m initiative will feature a number of independent projects across the UK, all of which are focused on using the positive influence of football to help combat health issues relating to digital exclusion and poor communication skills.

In Darlington, the foundation has teamed up with Darlington Football Club (DFC) to set up a scheme targeting people aged over 55. The project aims to build participants’ self-confidence and improve their technology and communication skills.

The project is being delivered by staff at the town's Understand Centre in the grounds of DFC’s stadium. It will enable, initially, thirty people over 55 years of age to gain information and communications technology (ICT) training and skills, which will help them to overcome perceived barriers and continue to lead independent lives.

In Hartlepool, the Communicating for Success initiative will fund a scheme delivered by the Pools Study Support Centre and Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation staff.

It will enable 12 children, accompanied by an adult member of their family, to gain new communication skills involving a variety of gym based tasks - such as devising training circuits and carrying out demonstrations to other groups.

There will also be a number of internet research challenges around healthy living and nutrition, and the opportunity to use the latest audio and video equipment to capture interviews with professionals working in the health and catering sectors.

Other towns benefiting from schemes funded by the Communicating for Success initiative include Swindon, Rotherham and Leeds.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: "Not only will participants in Communicating for Success learn about sport and health, they will also develop vital communications skills in a relaxed and enjoyable environment."