The scheme is aimed at beginners and those who already play sport

The government has put �1m into the Youth Sport Trust scheme, aimed at improving basic skills, such as throwing, catching and balance.

It is hoped 800 clubs will be running across Britain by the end of next year.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over pupils' health. The childhood obesity rate rose from 9.6% in 1995 to more than 15% in 2002.

'Stepping-stone'

Sports Minister Richard Caborn said: "The clubs provide a stepping-stone from high quality PE in schools to high-quality club sport."

The clubs are designed for beginners and those who have already shown talent in a particular sport, such as football or tennis.

Youth Sport Trust spokeswoman Donna Tipping said: "It's all about developing transferable skills.

"It can help those who are already talented at one sport to transfer those skills to another and it's also for those who find sport difficult.

"We can give them the confidence to be able to throw a ball or hold a racquet."

The scheme is part of the government's strategy to increase to 85% the number of five to 16-year-olds who take part in at least two hours of sport or exercise each week by 2008.

Last year, it launched a �500m initiative to allow school sports clubs in England to provide up to three hours of extra activity a week by 2010.

Tony Blair called this an "important part of education" and "an important part of health".

But the Conservatives say government proposals - which include two hours' PE within school for 75% of pupils by 2006 - are unrealistic.