Chelsea Football Club has signed up to the government’s Playing for Success programme – which aims to raise standards and motivate children at key stages two and three – and means that every Premiership team now supports the scheme.

A total of 103 sports clubs now back the initiative, which has so far helped more than 100,000 nine- to 14-year-olds.

Playing for Success centres are based in or near sports grounds and pupils can learn through making practical use of the locations, by measuring the pitches or calculating the capacity of a stadium.

Activities also include answering questions on the sport, interviewing players and writing features for matchday programmes.

The centres are run by experienced teachers and pupils spend around 20 hours a term there.

The scheme is funded by the government, local education authorities, the sports clubs and local businesses.

Announcing that Chelsea – and recently-promoted Plymouth Argyle – have signed up to the initiative, education and skills secretary, Charles Clarke, said on Monday: “I am delighted that every FA Premier League club is now part of Playing for Success, which is going from strength to strength and making a real impact on children’s education.

“Sport is a great way to engage pupils in lessons and Playing for Success has proved to be extremely popular with pupils, schools and sports clubs. It’s a vital part of our drive to raise standards across the board.

The government had aimed to have 100 clubs on board by 2006, so as the scheme celebrates its 5th anniversary, it is well ahead of schedule. Details: www.dfes.gov.uk/playingforsuccess