MORE than 5,000 children are to be given lessons in health and literacy from one of the city's top sporting clubs. Hull FC is today launching its new Children's Sports Academy.
It aims to work with 130 schools across East Yorkshire this year, offering free programmes to children.
It is being supported by businesses across the city, which have stumped up £120,000 to help boost the skills of the younger generation.
The Black and Whites want to use the club's high profile to engage and inspire young people.
Richard Munson, head of Hull FC's Community Foundation, said: "The foundation had one programme that it did, which was typical of sports clubs and what they do.
"We wanted to do something different and we tried to look at the players and the badge and see how we could link these in with young people.
"We want to help to inspire young people and drive that through sport."
As well as business support, the academy will also be supported by the University of Hull and Hull College, which will both link into programmes to work with children.
The club has developed four key areas that it will focus on, including a literacy progra- mme called Reading Hero, a programme focusing on healthy lifestyles, one on aspirations, in which children look at enterprise and have the chance to become Adam Pearson for the day and, finally, a programme called Our Hull.
Each is designed to offer a different skill set to pupils.
Mr Munson said: "The emphasis is on local need and the understanding of how the values and passion associated with sport, combined with the brand of Hull FC, can provide a new opportunity in educating children on key areas linked to the national curriculum.
"The issues affecting children in Hull are understood.
"We believe it is our responsibility to use sport in a positive way to inspire local children."
Programmes within the academy have been piloted for the past year.
"The schools' feedback has been massive," said Mr Munson.
"It has been needs led and was a huge reason why businesses have come on board to support the sports academy."
It will officially launch today and tomorrow, with youngsters taking part in activities aboard P&O Ferries, at the University of Hull and at the KC Stadium.
Adam Pearson, owner of Hull FC, said: "Sport plays an invaluable role in the development of young people in our region, particularly through their education.
"We have seen the impact of the FC Learning Centre on young students over the past 18 months and now the Hull FC brand and the great work of the Hull FC Community Foundation has the chance to enhance and influence a new generation of young children.
"The Children's Sports Academy is an exciting concept and one everybody at the club is firmly supporting.
"It will make a big difference to young people in our area."
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