PREMIERSHIP high-fliers Fulham FC have made a key signing in the North of England this season.

Law firm Watson Burton has been chosen by the London club to convert its existing Football in the Community scheme into a charitable company, Fulham FC Community Sports Trust.

This means the trust, now with charitable status, will be able to offer coaching in football and other sports to children of all abilities, from the ages of six to 18.

Simon Morgan, head of community at Fulham FC, said: "This is a fantastic step forward for Fulham FC. The trust will promote social inclusion, increase sporting participation amongst priority groups such as ethnic minorities and special needs children and address serious social issues such as educational standards, racial awareness and unemployment.

"I'm delighted with the help and support given by Watson Burton to guide us through the process of achieving charitable status. They're strong players, and their advice has given us the chance to provide local boys and girls with fantastic new opportunities for the future."

The trust aims to use football as the key to encouraging children to take an interest in healthy living, as well as developing core maths and English skills away from the traditional classroom.

Newcastle and Leeds-based Watson Burton is one of the leaders in the UK for working with professional football clubs to develop their Football in the Community schemes.

It has already helped achieve charitable status for the schemes of eight professional clubs, and is advising 15 national football clubs, four rugby union clubs and four rugby league teams on getting charitable status for their sports schemes.

The law firm has a sports law team, a rapidly developing niche area.

John Devine, of Watson Burton, said: "It's great to work with professional clubs who take such an active interest in providing facilities and opportunities, both on and off the pitch, for children.

"Fulham is a leading example of the benefits of these schemes to the local community. It is one of three London Premiership teams we are currently advising and we hope to make it another hat-trick of charitable schemes by the end of the season."