Football clubs around the northwest are leading a scheme designed to educate young people about multinational business.

Manchester City Football Club was the first to take part in the initiative with pupils from Tameside.

By showing students the books it is hoped the clubs will foster entrepreneurial skills and increase interest in business.

Participating clubs, which include Blackburn Rovers, will teach 13 to 14-year-olds about products and services, marketing, customer services, enterprise challenges, career development and working with the community.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency is leading the national scheme.

Chief executive Steven Broomhead said: " Football is a large contributor to the Northwest economy, with more Premiership clubs here than anywhere else, with an enthusiastic audience. We must capture this and support any enterprising ambitions they might have."

Football was a great magnet for entrepreneurs "who may be less attracted to more traditional learning environments", commented self-starter Peter Jones of BBC program Dragon's Den.

Manchester City's own high-fliers put six in the back of the net against Portsmouth on Sunday. The club faces Wigan this weekend.