The European Year of Education through Sport (EYES) 2004 is to be launched in England by minister for schools, Stephen Twigg and minister for sport, Richard Caborn on 10 February.

The UK website www.eyes2004.org will also be launched.

The scheme aims to bring together learning and sport for young people and throughout the year, EYES-funded projects and online resources will encourage young people to take part in physical activity at regional, national and international levels.

EYES 2004 is being funded by the European Commission and will be managed in the UK by the Youth Sport Trust and supported by the DfES and DCMS.

So far, more than 600,000 euros has been made available for UK-based activities and money is still available for sporting and educational organisations – but proposals must be submitted by 1 March 2004.

Successful bids have included sports festivals, pupil exchanges, leadership seminars and school-club link projects.

Richard Caborn said: “EYES 2004 champions the role sport can play as a catalyst for change in schools, communities and countries.

“The projects around the country will give young people the chance to connect with each other and with Europe.”

Stephen Twigg added: “EYES 2004 is a great opportunity for educational and sporting organisations to work together for the benefit of young people.

“With up to date information about ongoing projects, online resources for teachers and a forum for schools to share their work, the website promises to be a useful and exciting way to learn through sport.”

EYES 2004 will be simultaneously launched in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast.