FOOTBALL is big business both on and off the pitch.

So when it comes to teaching youngsters about the importance of enterprise, the world of football should rightly play a part.

Pupils at Philips High School in Whitefield have been able to combine the two as participants of the Soccer Enterprise Challenge (SEC).

The scheme is one of the first professional programmes to deliver the enterprise agenda in schools which the Government is funding through the Enterprise in Education initiative.

The youngsters got the chance to brush up on their soccer skills alongside former Portugese international Gil Gomes, then they took their enthusiasm back to the classroom to develop their enterprise skills.

Steve Baker, who developed SEC, said: "We have tailormade an enterprise scheme which marries together football and enterprise. The children have the opportunity to enjoy training sessions with our team of professionals but can also take part in practical assignments such as recommending ways to improve the club shop's performance or designing a virtual football academy. We find that by sitting the two elements alongside one another, the children's eyes are soon opened up to the broader opportunities that now lie within the football and sports industry generally."

Steve is a perfect example of an entrepreneurial figure who used his experience on the pitch to kick start his business.

After starting his career at Manchester City, Steve spent some time playing for Bristol Rovers but an injury forced him to reassess his career.

He took the decision that he still wanted to work within the game he loved so much, so completed coaching qualifications as well as a university degree before forming SEC.

Enterprise co-ordinator at the school, Mr Tim Regan said: "The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. For those who like football, I think playing alongside an international player was particularly memorable but then again we had some pupils who shone at the enterprise activity. I think it did teach them that if they like sport there are other alternatives to becoming a professional footballer and that skills can be transferable."