FREE sports coaching is being given to 30 primary schools in Burnley and the surrounding areas.

Coaching is being provided by Burnley FC in the Community, the charitable arm of Burnley Football Club which aims to work throughout the borough around the themes of sport participation, education, health and social inclusion and cohesion.

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To kick off the scheme a launch day for 80 pupils from Springfield Primary in Oxford Road was held with Burnley FC stars Sam Vokes and Matt Taylor making a guest appearance.

Neil Hart, head of community at Burnley FC in the Community, said: " Burnley FC in the Community is keen to work with any school to raise the quality of sporting provision.

"An example of this is the recently launched partnership with Springfield Community Primary to help increase football and sport provisions whilst also promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

"Springfield Community Primary have commissioned 14 hours of sport delivery per week, including lunchtime, curriculum and extra-curricular activities, alongside regular sessions to be held at Turf Moor. Springfield will also benefit from the Premier League School Sport investment."

Head teacher of Springfield Primary School, Sarah Bell said: "At Springfield, sport is a priority and we are delighted that Burnley FC in the Community are able to work closely with us to support sport development at our school.

"Many of children have been benefitted from the provisions including one group who attend an After School football course at Turf Moor. We were all very excited that Sam Vokes and Matt Taylor visited our school during the launch event. This is a great additional benefit to working with Burnley FC in the Community along with their high quality delivery and highest standards of professionalism.”

For more information about the scheme and other information about Burnley FC in the Community contact Steve Obertelli on s.obertelli@burnleyfc.com or the community team on 01282 704716.