Sportsmatch, the government's business sponsorship incentive scheme for grassroots sports, has matched a pledge of £50,000 from Parasol Limited to Hull KR for a school-based grassroots programme to develop competition.

The schools programme will start in March 2007 and aims to raise the profile of rugby league within key stage one and two aged pupils.

Grassroots coaches will visit 30 primary schools, which will each receive an average of 25 hours coaching with around 3000 children and 300 teachers and mentors taking part.

As an additional element coaching opportunities will be offered to a school team at each school at year five and six.

The coaching programme's emphasis will be on teamwork and individual confidence although long-term plans include the aim of increasing the number of schools that compete in the Hull Schools rugby league which currently take place weekly.

Since Sportsmatch began nearly £6million has been invested in rugby league with nearly £1 million spent in the last year alone.

With over 280 rugby league schemes backed by Sportsmatch, the participation levels of the sport are ever increasing, not only teaching children the benefits of an active lifestyle but also creating a legacy and sourcing potential rugby league stars.

Lora Webster, community development manager for Hull KR, said: "With the help of Sportsmatch and Parasol Limited, this fantastic scheme will give many children the opportunity to play rugby league.

"The project gives Hull Kingston Rovers the chance to further develop their links with local schools and build relationships which will benefit the club in the long-term."

Mike Reynolds, director of Sportsmatch, added: "This brilliant scheme will not only increase the participation levels of children playing rugby league in the area but will also encourage more schools and thus more competition at the Hull Schools rugby league on Saturdays.

"Over the last year we have invested heavily in rugby league, as well as many other sports; we have invested nearly £615,000 in the Yorkshire and Humberside area alone."

Rob Crossland of Parasol Limited said: "We are extremely proud to be supporting this excellent scheme which provides so many children in this area to be able to have a taster of rugby league and the potential of playing weekly games for their school."

This scheme will be launched at Hull KR`s next engage Super League home fixture against Harlequins RL on Sunday February 25.