Children will have the chance to give Lukas Podolski a run for his money after Arsenal Football Club renewed its contract with Hertsmere Borough Council.

The pioneering scheme sees football players give free coaching, literacy sessions, holiday and after school activities to children in the area.

The partnership, in place since 2008, was due to end this month but will now continue on a rolling basis subject to yearly checks.

Under the project, there are also plans to extend curriculum football to more schools across the borough in the future.

Arsenal Ladies FC also  offers coaching sessions in schools in Potters Bar and Borehamwood, including Dame Alice Owens and Saffron Green Primary School.

There are also plans to extend curriculum football to even more schools in the area in the future.

Alan Sefton, head of Arsenal in the Community, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Hertsmere Borough Council.

“It has been popular with so many boys and girls in the borough and we hope that many more will continue to benefit.



"We are proud that girls’ football taken by Arsenal Ladies, the coaching sessions have made such a positive impact."