York City players are getting ready to swap boots for books and return to the classroom in an effort to boost literacy skills in schools.

The football club today unveiled its York City Learning League initiative, which aims to forge strong links between the Minstermen and primary schools across the city.

Although a number of other professional clubs host after-school clubs at their grounds, City's plan is thought to be unique.

Some 22 schools will be invited to adopt a City player, who will then work on a one-to-one basis with their selected school, visiting the classroom twice during the year to take part in literacy-related activities with Year Six pupils.

The player, who could lead story-telling sessions or face being interviewed by pupils about his career, will also be available to their school for functions such as prize-giving ceremonies or fund-raising events.

All the educational material used will be developed by a qualified teacher who will be working on the project and will be compliant with National Curriculum requirements.

The scheme is endorsed by City of York Council and its literacy advisors will be reviewing the material used.

Each term, City will produce a newsletter for the schools detailing various competitions it will be running as part of the scheme.

The club's Football In The Community coaches will also be made available to schools and pupils will also visit Bootham Crescent for a tour of the ground.

At the end of the Learning League, every pupil in Year Six will receive a certificate of participation, signed by their adopted player.

City player-coach Lee Nogan said: "This is a really exciting community project that we are all looking forward to being involved with.

"The players will be working in conjunction with a qualified teacher and hopefully we can make a positive impact at the schools by helping to promote literacy.

"This is an ideal opportunity for the club to cement our links with local schools and hopefully encourage the next generation of York City supporters."

City director Sophie McGill said: "We hope local schools will be keen to take part.

"We recognise teachers are very busy and we have planned our programme to fit with the National Curriculum and to complement lessons.

"We want to ensure the children enjoy the experience and also benefit educationally."

Letters about the scheme will be sent to York primary schools next week.

The club has submitted a grant application to the Football Foundation to assist with funding the project.

Updated: 10:48 Monday, September 08, 2003