Study United success could spread

Last updated : 08 December 2005 By Luke Thornhill

North Lincolnshire Council has backed plans to create a similar centre at Heslam Park, home to the town's rugby union and cricket clubs.

Study United opened its doors in September 2003, and now has a permanent team of five staff aided by a collection of volunteer helpers.

The Iron were one of the first lower division clubs to join the Playing For Success scheme, as it had previously been restricted to clubs in the top two divisions.

The Council and the club both put £50,000 into the project, with the Department for Education and Skills and The Football Foundation donating £200,000.

Now the Council has applied for further funding to open a second site in the town.

If successful, the DfES will contribute £500,000 over a three-year period.

A council report said: "There is every reason to believe a second study centre in North Lincolnshire could be as succesful a venture as the first.

"It will have the capacity to become as valued an assett to the areas as the Study United Learning Centre has become"