School sport to receive £300m hand-out over two years from government
Sport in schools has been boosted with the government announcing new funding over the next years.
Last Updated: 16/03/13 2:05pm
The financial package will pump £300m into primary schools, equating to £38 per year for the country's 3.9 million pupils.
A new teacher training scheme with a specialism in PE will be introduced with the proposal also including sports governing bodies providing specialist coaching.
It is welcome news for schools desperate to take advantage of the enthusiasm for physical activity on the back of the London Games and arrives three years after the government scrapped £162m of ring-fenced school funding.
Shadow Sports Minister Clive Efford said the money was "extremely welcome", but added: "Prime Minister David Cameron wanting praise for putting money back into school sport is like a burglar returning stolen goods and expecting to be hailed as a public hero."
'Obesity crisis'
However, Cameron insisted the funding was the perfect tonic for dealing with major issues affecting young people.
"We've got a crisis of childhood obesity," he told Sky Sports News. "We want to see that cut, more participation, more competitive sport, more schools doing more sport and more kids having that opportunity.
"That's what this is about. It's a real step change. The money goes straight to the school and it has to be spent on sport and it will be properly inspected.
"It's a great package and it's going to boost sport in our country. It's a passion of mine. I have primary A school children in an inner London school and it really matters to have good sports provision.
"I'm delighted we've got this. It's all about making sure there are teachers who can teach sport and really give kids that passion for sport and for competitive sport."
Former Tottenham and England defender Ledley King has been visiting schools, promoting teaching schemes and told Sky Sports News: "These kids have watched the Olympics and been inspired.
"That's the impact and it's so important we work with the kids and give them the opportunity."