An innovative programme that aims to inspire teenage boys to attend school through the power of football has scored some breathtaking results.

The Inspire Football project, a scheme ran by Hammersmith & Fulham Council's School Sports Partnership (SSP) and Queens Park Rangers Football Club, was launched in February with the intention of helping 24 15 and 16 year-old boys from Burlington Danes Academy who have poor attendance records and struggle in punctuality and attention to learning in English, Maths and Science.

And the project has been declared a resounding success with pupils. For example, Luke Kelly, has had just one day off school since taking part in the scheme, compared to a staggering 51 days truanting between September and December last year.

Another pupil, Mark Hogan, attended 95 per-cent of lessons since he became involved in Inspire Football, compared to only 66 per-cent in the term before.

The scheme saw coaches from QPR train the youngsters from 7am to 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday over a ten week period. In return, the pupils received a free healthy breakfast before attending their 8.30am lessons. Weekly targets were set for the teenagers and those who met them received free tickets to QPR home games.

Cllr Antony Lillis, Cabinet Member for Community and Children's Services, told www.qpr.co.uk: "The Inspire Football project really has been a wonderful success.

"The results are nothing short of staggering and credit must be given to our School Sports Partnership and QPR. I am sure that the pupils who took part in the scheme found it hugely enjoyable and worthwhile and gained many positive experiences that they will be able to take into their future."

Inspire Football culminated this week with those pupils who showed a marked improvement in their attendance, punctuality and attention to learning taking part in an 'Elite Football Development Camp,' where they will get the chance to experience the life of a young apprentice footballer.

The camp consists of twice daily football training sessions from QPR coaches; a session with R's number one Lee Camp; a tour of the Loftus Road stadium; a match against a competitive youth team; an on-pitch half time presentation during today's fixture; and free GCSE revision sessions.