Gateshead Council yesterday hosted the European Year of Education conference at Gateshead International Stadium to raise awareness of developing education through sport.

Funded by the European Commission through the Youth Sport Trust, the seminar looked at the benefits of creating closer links between education and sports organisations, raising educational attainment and developing physical activity in the curriculum.

Councillor Peter Mole of Gateshead Council, said: “Although there is no European model for sport because each country has its own national approach, countries throughout Europe face many similar issues and challenges.”

John Porteous, national education advisor for the English Institute of Sport (EIS), who was speaking at the conference, said: “The importance of education and qualifications cannot be overstated and athletes are no different. However, they may have to balance their sport with their longer term career aspirations.

“Conferences like this help schools, colleges and higher education institutions become more aware of how to support these young athletes while they pursue their education alongside their sport,” he said.

The EIS has a network of advisors, through its EIS Performance Lifestyle scheme, which give one to one support to athletes to help them make educational choices.

Also at the conference was former world mile record holder and Olympic medallist Steve Cram, who now works with EIS.