THE Secretary of State for Education will kick off an out-of-school football project to inspire Burnley youngsters academically.

Charles Clarke will be visiting Burnley Football Club, on April 30, to officially launch the Playing for Success initiative, which was set up as a pilot scheme 12 months ago.

The scheme aims to raise standards in literacy, numeracy and ICT skills by relating it to football, with the chance to win top-class match tickets and meet star players.

Now schoolchildren from 23 primary schools, and five secondary schools, have enjoyed the two-hour per week sessions which are run over 10-week blocks.

"The contribution that Playing for Success makes to improving young people's lives cannot be underestimated in terms of driving up education standards across the board," said Mr Clarke.

"The project has come a long way and I have every confidence that it will continue to go from strength to strength."

The project was created nationally in 1997 at FA Premier League Clubs, but has become so successful it has now been introduced at 86 football clubs, and extended to other sports, including basketball, rugby and cricket.

It works by using a football theme in the classroom. Maths work, for example, could involve visiting the club shop, or bar area, for calculations.

Lancashire County Council leader Hazel Harding said: "This is an extremely exciting project for the young people of Burnley who are benefiting enormously."