The Playing For Success after-school centre would work with under-achieving pupils using technology and football to boost literacy and numeracy.

It is part of a government scheme in partnership with the Football Foundation and Darlington Football Club and the local council.

Year five, six and seven pupils would attend for two hours a week.

Life's opportunities

The Football Foundation and Department for Education and Skills have pledged �100,000 which will be matched with an extra �25,000 from Darlington Council if the cabinet agrees to the scheme.

Children will also learn about dealing with racism, through hearing of the story of Arthur Wharton, who played for Darlington FC in the 1880s and is thought to be the first black professional footballer in England.

They will hear about healthy eating and how diet in professional football in the 1990s became a major factor.

Councillor Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This centre is fantastic news for Darlington, it will help pupils to reach their full potential and make the most of life's opportunities."

Playing For Success helps develop literacy, numeracy and ICT skills using the club, its sport and its players as the context for learning.