FORMER professional rugby league player, Chris Irwin has swapped the scrum for the classroom as he sets out to educate the city’s youngsters in the ways of healthy living. Chris Irwin, who played for Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions and Swinton Lions, has set up a new business, called Sporting Start, which goes into the various schools to teach kids about sport and keeping healthy. Sporting Start was set up in September 2007, and works in various schools across Greater Manchester and the North West delivering PE as part of the curriculum and covering teachers PPA time.

The company now offers various other programmes to further children’s interests in sport such as after school clubs, Saturday morning clubs and holiday clubs. In addition to sport Chris has also added another branch to the organisation by offering Performing Arts classes. These sessions are delivered by trained actors and actress who have performed professionally on stage or on camera. He said: "Initially Sporting Start was set up to get more kids involved in sport which I believe we did. However, I did notice that not every child wants to play sport all the time so I thought it was important to give them the opportunity to try other things.

The girls who deliver on the performing arts program are great! The children certainly beneifit from their expertise and seem to fully enjoy the sessions." Chris and his team currently go into schools in Salford, Rochdale, St Helens and are looking to expand to the Warrington area and teach the children PE and Performing Arts as well as running various after-school clubs, Saturday clubs and Holiday clubs. The clubs cater for a range of sports, including gymnastics, football, rugby, multi-sport and performing arts. For more information about Sporting Start visit www.sportingstart.co.uk.