This initiative has been made possible through generous funding from the HBOS Foundation.

These classes take place at Tynecastle Stadium, the new Spartans Community Football Academy and Clovenstone Amateur Boxing Club. They offer anyone over the age of 18 the opportunity learn a range of new practical skills.

This programme seeks to address the worrying statistic that an estimated 23% of adult Scots have significant literacy/numeracy needs. Office for National Statistics (1997) Adult Literacy in Britain, International Adult Literacy Survey, London: The Stationery Office for National Statistics (2000) Measuring Adult Literacy: the International Adult Literacy Survey in the European Context, London: Office for National Statistics OECD and Statistics Canada (2000) Literacy in the Information Age: Final Report of the International Adult Literacy Survey, Paris and Ottawa

Alan White, Community Development Manager at the Heart of Midlothian Education and Community Trust, hailed the development to be rolled out since the Trust's inception almost four years ago.

"We are pleased to be involved in the development of another great community initiative in partnership with other committed community organisations," he said.

"In addition to the AEGON Breakfast Club programme, Hearts Learning Centre and the successful Magnificent Seven scheme, the development of this Adult Literacy Programme will use the 'power of sport', football and boxing in particular, to inspire and motivate individuals within our catchment area.

"We would like to thank the HBoS Foundation for recognising the importance of initiatives which support adult literacy and for their generous contribution to the programme."

Craig Graham, Chairman of the Spartans Community Football Academy added, "This initiative is exactly the type of programme we are looking to support and deliver for the people of North Edinburgh. Our Academy is delighted to support this initiative. We look forward to hosting the Programme in our new site."

Any adults keen to get involved with this programme or who require further information, please contact John Player at the City of Edinburgh Council on john.player@ea.edin.sch.uk or 0131 221 5800

The Adult Literacy Programme aims to provide support and training to adults:

-  who want to develop their reading and writing skills.
-  who wish to develop employability; competency and increase their earning power.
-  who want to build up their confidence and assertiveness in groups
-  who want to participate in a democratic learning community and become active citizens
-  who want to learn about other cultures, challenge racism and sectarian and explore ways of including marginalised groups

This will be achieved by offering a range of learning experiences based on football and boxing.

One of these courses has already been successfully established at Tynecastle Stadium called the 'Glory and Dismay of Scottish Football'.

HBOS Foundation

The HBOS Foundation is an independent registered charity No.SCO32942 working with charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, supporting people and their local communities. The Foundation's community giving is focused on two guiding themes; money advice and financial literacy and developing and improving communities.