§ Mr. John CarlisleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the champion coaching project.
§ Mr. AtkinsI am delighted that earlier this year I was able to announce an additional £700,000 for the Sports Council to fund champion coaching. This pilot scheme is being run by the National Coaching Foundation and is providing sporting opportunities beyond the school curriculum for more than 6,000 children in 24 areas across England and in 11 sports. Six hundred local coaches will also be trained to work with young people. Champion coaching will provide examples of successful local partnerships which I hope will encourage the creation of further sporting opportunities for young people at local level.