A YORK physical education graduate has launched a new sports and football academy to improve the health and fitness of children in North Yorkshire.

Alan Price's business initiative, which involves after-school football training and teaching a range of sports as part of the school curriculum, aims to develop aspiring young footballers and help primary schools meet their required target of two hours' physical activity a week per child.

Mr Price, 26, based in Whitby, no sooner completed his degree in sport studies and physical education at York St John, when he launched The Ultimate Soccer School, with the backing of a new programme to help young entrepreneurs aged 16 to 30 set up their own businesses.

The Bright Sparks programme is funded by Yorkshire Forward and delivered by the North York Moors and Coast Business Advice Agency (NYMAC), a partner organisation of Business Link York and North Yorkshire that delivers Business Link services.

As part of the programme, NYMAC business adviser Angela Langton provided support, expertise and ongoing advice to him on topics such as marketing, research and business plans, finance, pricing and selling, information and communication technologies, tax and VAT, bookkeeping and credit control.

Miss Langton also helped Mr Price to get a low interest loan of £2,000 and a computer from the Prince's Trust, plus a £500 grant from the Scarborough Borough Council for sports equipment.

Mr Price, who previously played for Notts County juniors and Whitby Town, said: "Football has always been a passion. "I am now working with three schools in the Whitby area and hope to get others on board across North Yorkshire. After finishing his degree my first port of call was NYMAC. Angela has been absolutely fantastic. If it hadn't been for the Bright Sparks programme I would not be in the position I am now."

Updated: 11:29 Wednesday, October 06, 2004