HOME secretary Jack Straw will kick off a new after-school study centre for youngsters at Blackburn Rovers' ground.

The Playing for Success scheme at Ewood Park will help pupils tackle literacy, numeracy and study skills by reinforcing school work.

Backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Government's Department for Education and Employment, the scheme will help children aged 10 to 14.

Six-week study programmes began last month and up to 210 children will use the centre weekly. Mr Straw will meet children and teachers when he officially launches the scheme and unveils a commemorative plaque on Friday.

Coun Kathy Stephenson, vice chairman of the education and training committee, said: "Many pupils do not realise their full potential in the traditional school setting but can benefit enormously from provision at a study support centre."

"I am confident that the scheme will help young people achieve success at school and beyond."

Many of the activities will use football to teach basic skills, backed by the latest technology including computers, CDs, scanners, Internet access and video conferencing links. Volunteer students from local colleges and sixth-forms help by working with small groups of pupils.

Blackburn Rovers chief executive John Williams said: "We are delighted to be involved in this initiative and to see such an excellent facility for local schoolchildren being created at Ewood Park."

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