Youngsters in Coventry and Warwickshire can look forward to taking part in more sports following a £116,000 grant from the body headed by TV football pundit Trevor Brooking.

The money will be used to fund improvements in girls’ football, hockey and tennis in the first phase of a five-year programme.

An estimated 2,300 children from the region are expected to benefit over the next five years as nine sports are given money as part of the Greater Warwickshire Sports Partnership plan.

Almost 100 new sports coaches will also be trained as part of the programme.

Today’s grant comes from the Sport England Lottery Fund. Chairman Trevor Brooking said:

“This award marks the start of an exciting time for sport and your people in Greater Warwickshire.

“A lot of time and effort has gone into developing these bids through involved the local clubs, coaches and national governing bodies of sports so young people can enjoy the planned opportunities.

“I would urge youngsters in this area to get involve in active sports and have a great time.”

The Active Sports Programme is getting £10m annually for the next five years. It is designed to get more youngsters involved in sport.

Cllr Val Stone, acting cabinet member (Cultural and Leisure Services) said the money would have a big impact in the city.

She said:

“This is good news for Coventry and the other six local authority areas.

“The lottery grant from Sport England will mean that more young people in the city will be able to reap the rewards and enjoy the benefits of more sporting opportunities, particularly young girls with girls’ football.”

The sports to benefit in the rolling programme, which will last seven years, are athletics, basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, girls’ football, rugby union, tennis and swimming.