The project is designed to teach year five children about general health and wellbeing.

The recent on-field success has opened the door for working with the Premier League and Professional Footballers' Association. Through funding from the Premier League & PFA Community Fund, their knowledge and support has enabled the football club to develop a programme that shows successful outcomes, positive evaluations and has sustainability to continue the legacy.

Fit to Play is specifically aimed at 9-11 year olds who are still at the age where they are receptive to a programme of learning, information and teaching. Participation will in turn empower the children to make choices and make behavioural changes that they can then carry through into adult life.

During the summer term a five-week pilot of the project saw some very positive results with 185 children completing the programme. This was delivered not only in Hull but across the East Riding to both male and female students.

The Fit to Play project got off the ground thanks to a substantial grant of £299,977 from the Premier League & PFA Community Fund, while a further £200,000 in total was received from a number of local partners including Hull and East Riding Councils, NHS East Riding and NHS Hull.

Speaking about the launch Matt Conway, Fit to Play project manager at Hull City, said: "I am confident the project will help raise awareness about the importance of a healthier lifestyle and perhaps inspire children to change in some way. We hope to encourage participation by children in physical activity using a multi skills approach to learning.

"Having the power of the football club to drive this project enables us to appeal to pupils, teachers and parents therefore increasing engagement across the city and the region. Our wish is not only to educate young people but have a positive influence on families through improved health and well being ."

Hull City chairman Paul Duffen was equally positive, commenting: "I am delighted that Hull City Football Club is supporting the Fit to Play programme. Sport is a fantastic way to stay fit and it also gives you a reason to stay healthy whilst teaching many important lessons about the joy of winning and how to cope with the disappointment of losing."

Boothferry Primary School teacher Miss A.Taylor, who hosted one of the pilot programmes said: "The sessions were thoroughly enjoyable for both the children and staff members. The health team did an exceptional job of keeping the children engaged and active."