The school has been participating in a new educational programme run by the Manchester United Foundation aimed at educating young people about leading a healthy balanced lifestyle.

The visit was part of the Premier League's Creating Chances initiative, which highlights the community and good cause work carried out throughout the year by the 20 clubs. Goalkeeper Van der Sar took part in a classroom session about healthy food, commenting on the healthy menus that the children had designed for him.

Van der Sar said: "I have children and I know the importance of getting my kids to eat well and exercise. It's all about teaching them which foods are good for their bodies and what will make them grow strong and healthy. As footballers we exercise all the time, but leading a balanced lifestyle needn't be hard work, it is really just common sense, learning the right things to eat and how to exercise properly. This programme is great because it teaches kids the basics; they were all really enthusiastic and looked like they were enjoying themselves."

Mitchell Corlett, a pupil at The Friars said: "It was so exciting to meet Edwin Van der Sar. I have learnt lots about eating the right foods and I know it is important to be healthy."

'Something to Chew On' will be an interactive project aimed at teaching 7-8-year-olds about their own health, themed around food, nutrition and getting active but with a football focus. The programme will also involve workshops that will include parents so that learning is consolidated in the home.

The interactive scheme takes a rounded approach to teaching children about healthy lifestyles and can help schools work towards being a healthy school. The National Healthy Schools Programme is a long-term initiative that promotes the link between good health, behaviour and achievement.

The topics covered, based on the Food Standards Agency's food competency framework include: diet and health, food safety, consumer awareness, food preparation. As well as class room sessions, the programme also aims to motivate children to be active. Practical sessions cover football, fitness and controlling body movement.

Andy Smith, scheme coordinator said: "It is really important that we cover things like controlling body movement within the programme. I have been a football coach for 15 years and during that time I have noticed that, when they start to play, many of the children lack the motor skills needed to play football well, because they don't play outside and climb trees like we used to. So part of the programme is about building up that basic body control. The whole scheme aims to talk about food, nutrition and exercise in a fun and appealing way, using football and the players as a hook."

'Something to Chew On' is funded through the Premier League/PFA Community Fund and the Food Standards Agency and supported by School Sport Partnerships. The community fund enables Premier League clubs' community departments to apply for grants to start innovative new projects, or develop and enhance the many they already deliver. The three-year fund is administered and managed by the Football Foundation.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: "This funding for the Manchester United Foundation's 'Something to Chew On' project is good news for the city's youngsters. Working in partnership with the Food Standards Agency the project will encourage seven and eight-year-olds to eat healthily and enjoy an active lifestyle through twice-weekly football sessions."

Rosemary Hignett, Head of Nutrition, Food Standards Agency said: "Learning how to choose, cook and eat safe, healthy food from a young age is an invaluable tool and we are delighted to be involved in this excellent programme. As well as gaining essential food skills, young people will be given the opportunity to get active through football. The skills young people will develop through these activities will both be fun and interesting, but more importantly they will hopefully have a positive and lasting impact through to their adult lives."