A FOOTBALL club is hoping a bus packed with computers will help deprived youngsters to become interested in learning.

Sunderland AFC's Black Cat Express, which is fitted with the latest computers, will tour run-down areas of the city over the next three years.

The football club's community foundation has taken on staff, including a youth worker, health worker and teacher, for its Kickstart scheme.

The bus will visit schools and youth groups, and the club is hoping to reach more than 50,000 five to 19-year-olds.

Youngster will be given the chance to learn basic skills and the bus will host workshops on health, the environment and citizenship, as well as being the focus for football coaching sessions.

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy said: "This is an innovative project and I'm delighted to offer my support.

"I have been very impressed by the unique work of the SAFC Foundation and I'm sure that the Black Cat Express will be of great benefit to our local community.''

Schools Minister and South Shields MP David Miliband said: "Education goes beyond the classroom and that diversity of provision is essential to ensure that all children are able to achieve more than they ever thought."

Supporters of the project include the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Tyne and Wear Learning and Skills Council, the Go-Ahead Group and Nexus.

Steering committee chairman Michael Elsy said: "Kickstart will provide a unique opportunity to fulfil the potential young people have by using the excitement of football, the flexibility of a mobile project and the professionalism of a multi-skilled team.'