Coaches from our Football in the Community scheme scored a goal for healthy living this week when they visited St Philip's Primary School in Cambridge to help promote School Milk Week (11-15th October).

The children in the school benefited from free milk and a football coaching session, demonstrating how easy and important it is to combine exercise with a healthy balanced diet.

Andy Duncan sent a message to the school, saying: "As professional footballers we know that a balanced diet and regular exercise is the best way to stay fit and healthy. We are delighted our club is helping kick off this campaign. It is an excellent way to get children on track for a healthy lifestyle."

The aim of School Milk Week is to highlight an EU subsidy providing subsidised milk for every primary school child aged 5-11. Even though the School Milk Scheme currently reaches well over 1.3 million children, research shows that nearly 90% of 5-11 year olds are not being offered the EU subsidy at school. This means that these children are not being offered the opportunity to benefit from this quick, healthy and nutritious snack.

The campaign is focusing on encouraging children to lead a healthy lifestyle where they combine regular activity with a nutritious and varied diet. In addition to the coaching sessions, the first 1,000 nominated schools will receive a Key Stage 1 Physical Education Pack early next year.

The campaign is being co-ordinated by the Dairy Industry Association Ltd (DIAL) on behalf of the dairies and by the Milk Development Council on behalf of farmers.

Edmund Proffitt, Processing Manager at DIAL, said of the event, "The children had an excellent time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Through the Football in the Community coaches we are able to send a message to children that healthy living can be fun. By providing children with a routine of healthy and balanced eating the foundations are being laid for healthier teenagers and adults. High in calcium, B vitamins and protein, milk has long been recognised as one of the most nutritionally complete foods available".