England's cricketers returned from Australia after another Ashes series defeat. England's football team floundered in the last World Cup and are struggling to qualify for the European Championships. In the face of such failure, patriotic sports fans are left to wonder why other nations succeed where we do not.

One reason has to be our outdated attitude to sport. Play up and play the game has always been the English way. Taking part is more important than winning.

That was a fine approach when we used to win everything as a matter of course. And it would still be acceptable today if we were comfortable with the role of plucky runners-up.

Fortunately, however, we still have the desire for victory. And success on the pitch, however fleeting, has the ability to bring the nation together and boost our self-confidence. Just remember the reaction to Michael Owen's goal against Argentina.

But if we have belatedly recognised the importance of sporting achievement, we still have much to do to make England a winning nation.

Encouraging young people to play sport and play it well is a key factor. While other countries have put sport at the heart of the school curriculum, Britain relegates it to the sidelines, and sells off playing fields in the process.

The York College Football Academy has a different approach. For 16 to 19-year-olds blessed with both talent and commitment, it will be a dream come true. Playing football is compulsory at this college.

It is an imaginative scheme with many advantages. The students gain from tuition by City players and coaching staff. The College of Further and Higher Education gains by its involvement in a pioneering development in vocational education. And the football club gains by getting the first chance to sign up the most promising young players.

The academy will further strengthen York City's links with the community. Its graduates will emerge with academic qualifications as well as improved ball skills. That should give them a head start even if they do not make it in the professional game.

With a little luck and a lot of hard work, this venture could soon establish itself as an academy of excellence.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.