The teachings of Christ are to be integrated with football as part of a London-wide youth project launched last week.

The Kick London scheme has already been working with schools and community groups in Richmond, southwest London, to offer football coaching to about 250 seven- to 19-year-olds. The Youth for Christ-affiliated project now plans to start working in all London boroughs.

Tom Rutter, development officer at Kick London, said: "We ask young people to consider how Jesus would react to a crunching tackle. The idea is to make it culturally relevant to young people. We think Jesus would treat others how he would like to be treated. He would tackle them but then help them off the ground." The project will also hold "academies" alongside the coa-ching sessions for young people to talk about the religious dimensions of football.

Rutter added: "We will be talking to young people in religious education lessons and tournaments to show that football skills are God-given."