PUPILS at a Colchester school have been boosting their leadership skills with the help of the More Sport programme.

The Year 9 pupils from Thomas, Lord Audley School, in Monkwick Avenue, have been taking part in the scheme, run by Colchester United Community Sports Trust, which introduced them to a level 1 award in sports leadership.

Each week, the 13 and 14-year-olds have been learning about leadership skills, health and sporting topics.

Their final session included a game of five-a-side football at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and a tour of the building.

Tracey Hale, learning support assistant at the school, said: “All the children have really benefited from this programme and the difference in behaviour and attitude around school, of two of the pupils in particular, has been huge.”

Chris Hyde, social inclusion and education link officer for Colchester United Community Sports Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that the More Sport programme has helped pupils from Thomas, Lord Audley.

“They are a great bunch of pupils and we enjoyed working with them over the seven-week programme.”