FOOTBALLERS have been given a new goal to aim for - boosting literacy skills in local schools.

They are swapping their boots for books in an initiative launched by the York City Learning League.

The scheme hopes to forge links between the Minstermen and local primary schools.

Twenty-two schools will be invited to adopt a City player who will the 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 players could lead story-telling sessions or face being interviewed about their career.

They will also be available to attend functions such as prize-giving or fundraising events.

All the educational material used will be developed by a qualified teacher and the scheme has been endorsed by the local authority.

Each term, City will also be producing a newsletter for schools detailing competitions it will be running as part of the scheme and the club's Football in the Community coaches will be available to pupils who will also get the chance to tour the Bootham Crescent ground.

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."