YORK City's new in-house community scheme received a five-figure boost from life assistance company CPP this week, following glowing praise from government Sports Minister Richard Caborn MP.

After his recent meeting with City's directors, Caborn expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, outlining how the club's community ambitions could deliver real social inclusion in the York area.

Talking about the York City in the Community scheme, he said: "I'm very impressed with what I have heard. The club are undertaking an excellent initiative working with local schools to provide really good sports and other teaching."

CPP, meanwhile, have been sufficiently impressed with the scheme, which was only launched in February, to sign a one-year sponsorship agreement which will facilitate more free coaching in schools, as well as a greater provision of after-school clubs and football fun weeks during school holidays.

A CPP Community Player of the Year award will also be made at the end of the season.

It is intended to reward the City player who has contributed most to community activities during the season and Stephen Kennedy, the UK managing director of CPP, said: "As one of the major employers in York, we are devoted to the development of sport and education programmes for young people in York. This sponsorship allows York City to realise the full potential of their excellent community programme and we are proud to be on board to help make a difference to the community."

The community team also hand out 250 complimentary tickets for home matches to school children and other youth groups while future events planned include a disabled football tournament and a match mascot competition for CPP employees, who will also be visited by the scheme's coaches in a promotion of football and fitness.

Community and communications director Sophie McGill is delighted the new partnership will enable City to expand the programme as the club seek to emphasise the importance of healthy lifestyles for young people by teaching them football skills.

She said: "The tremendous support we have received from CPP will help us to achieve our community vision.

"Our final aim is to engage all 65 York schools in this initiative.

"We have been giving free football coaching at schools and the teachers have told us it really gets the children thinking about diet and fitness levels. It's so important that we teach children how to be healthy from a young age, especially in these times of rising obesity."

The community team have also visited Hob Moor and Fulford Cross schools to work with disabled children and are trying to adopt an interesting and attractive approach in their coaching methods.

McGill added: "We find innovative ways to engage the children in important life skills.

"For example, we invited Clifton Green pupils to the ground for a numeracy trail, where they learned new mathematical skills using examples such as the number of seats for supporters, the size of the pitch and attendance figures for matches.

"So far, the scheme has been successful because it is interesting for the children and makes learning fun, which is always the best way to teach."

STATS ATTACK

Goals: Donaldson 25, Farrell 10, Woolford 8, Bowey 7, Panther 3, Bishop 2, Convery 2, own goal 2, Peat 2, Brodie 1, Goodliffe 1, Kovacs 1, McMahon 1.

Assists: Donaldson 12, Farrell 10, Woolford 9, Bowey 6, Bishop 5, Panther 4, Convery 3, Brodie 2, Craddock 2, Dudgeon 1, Elvins 1, Goodliffe 1, James 1, Lloyd 1, McMahon 1, Peat 1, Purkiss 1, Stamp 1.

Bad boys: Craddock 1 red, 7 yellow; Peat 1 red, 5 yellow; Donaldson 1 red, 4 yellow; Farrell 4 yellow; Bowey 1 red, 3 yellow; Bishop, McMahon, Panther all 3 yellow; Dudgeon, Evans, Greenwood all 1 red, 1 yellow; Elvins, Goodliffe, McGurk all 2 yellow; Convery, Kovacs, Lloyd, Purkiss, Stamp, Woolford all 1 yellow.

Panther's paw on prize

MANNY Panther is hoping to win his first Press Player of the Month award as the 2006/2007 season draws to a tense close.

Skipper Panther leads David McGurk by one point in the April standings with two games left to play.

The Scottish midfielder won three points towards the contest for his man-of-the-match display during last weekend's 0-0 draw at Stafford, while McGurk collected two points as our second-highest rated player.

Midfielder Neal Bishop received the remaining point on offer as our third rated player, while Craig Farrell took the two bonus points on offer by receiving the most votes emailed in by our readers.

The Press points, but not those from the readers, also count towards our Player of the Year competition, which is still led by Farrell.

To be in with a chance of presenting the April Player of the Month award, please email dave.flett@ycp.co.uk with your man-of-the-match choice from any of the club's remaining games.

Your selection does not have to be the Player of the Month award winner in order for you to be chosen to make the presentation.

Press Player of the Year standings: Farrell 36 points, Donaldson 32, Bishop 27, Woolford 27, McGurk 23, Panther 22, Goodliffe 15, Evans 13, Peat 13, Bowey 12, Lloyd 11, Craddock 9, Foster 8, Convery 7, Kovacs 7, McMahon 6, Brodie 5, Parslow 4, Dudgeon 3, Purkiss 2.

April Player of the Month latest standings: Panther 6, McGurk 5, Woolford 4, Evans 3, Bishop 2, Donaldson 2, Farrell 2.