ST ALBANS MP Kerry Pollard is urging local headteachers to apply for a school sports co-ordinator to improve the provision of competitive sport for pupils in the city.

The Government and lottery are investing almost £120 million to establish a network of 1,000 school sports co-ordinators and with 300 already in place, Mr Pollard is keen to ensure that St Albans district is not left behind.

He said: "I hope that some of our local schools will work together to apply for a sports co-ordinator, and I have written to the chair of the local secondary heads group to suggest that they do."

"This is an important initiative that we should take advantage of here in St Albans.

"The first 300 co-ordinators have been appointed across the country, but there is still time for our schools to apply for one of the remaining positions.

"Having a co-ordinator will ensure that sport remains a central part of the curriculum and will increase the opportunities our kids have for taking part in competitive sports matches.

"They will also have a better chance of trying their hand at a number of different games."

Mr Pollard has promised to work with local schools to prepare and lobby for their bids with the Government.

He added: "I am committed to helping our schools improve their sports provision.

"I will do everything I can to put together a successful bid for a sports co-ordinator with local headteachers."