It is not every day that a Premier League footballer and an England captain join forces with a council to help nurture future sporting greats.

But last week more than 40 Shenley schoolchildren were the special guests of Arsenal international Theo Walcott and Faye White, captain of both the Arsenal and England ladies' sides, to help launch Hertsmere Borough Council's Community Sports Programme.The pupils, from Shenley Primary School, in London Road, and Clore Shalom, in Hugo Gryn Way, took part in a coaching session at the Premier League giants' training ground, close to the village, last Wednesday. The youngsters were taught basic football skills and were presented with certificates and signed photographs from their hosts.Watched by Mayor of Hertsmere Martin Saunders and representatives from Hertfordshire Sports Partnership, the event marked the beginning of a collaboration between the authority and the club. The project will include a range of sporting initiatives for young people in the borough, such as an after-school programme, school holiday activities and girls' football coaching.The 'Double Club' scheme will incorporate training and extra academic support in literacy and numeracy for pupils who are struggling at school.The partnership developed as a result of a recent planning application for an indoor facility at the training ground.As part of the agreement, the Gunners committed to providing funding for Helen Bottomley, the council's sports officer.She said: "This is an exciting partnership which will benefit children and young people from across the borough; not only by developing their football skills but also supporting educational attainment, team work and self-confidence."We are delighted that Arsenal have opened up their fantastic training facility to launch the programme and look forward to working with them in the future."The scheme, which is fully funded by the north London club, will initially run for five years before being reviewed.Mr Walcott, 19, said: "It was fantastic to be here today to see the launch of the Hertsmere Community Sports Programme."It's a pleasure to be involved, meet the children from the local community and present them with certificates."I know that Faye and I being here can give extra motivation for the youngsters involved and it's so important as a footballer to set an example, and hopefully help them improve their skills."