PUPILS at a Bolton school could be rewarded for doing their homework with professional football coaching.

Bolton Wanderers have teamed up with Ladybridge School to encourage its pupils to be more studious.

Pupils at the school, in Junction Road, who regularly attend homework clubs, will be rewarded with an hour's football training by UEFA-trained coaches from the club.

The project is being run in conjunction with Football and Schools Together (FAST) Forward - a national scheme funded by the Football Foundation, a sports charity dedicated to grass roots football. More than 20 professional football clubs are taking part.

Homework clubs are designed to help underperforming children get better results.

The Fast Forward scheme is designed to boost attendance at the clubs.

Pupils at the Ladybridge school must attend homework club for at least an hour a week to be eligible for the football coaching.

Liz Marr, director of the project, said: "Football is a very powerful motivator and can be a real force in inspiring children and encouraging participation."