MANY youngsters are sports-mad but school-shy. So why not educate those who don't try hard enough in lessons - and often don't even make it to them - by sending them to learn at the ground where their heroes play?

That's the thinking behind a scheme announced today by Worcester's Warriors.

The top-flight rugby club already has an academy where it schools the players of the future in the skills they'll need on the field.

Now it wants to do the same for Worcestershire's under-achieving pupils by setting up a £150,000 study centre at its Sixways ground where they can be taught maths, English and computer skills.

There will be those who regard such a scheme in the same light as taking young miscreants on expeditions to exotic climes.

But we think it's worth a try - so to speak.

The Warriors have already raised people's pride in Worcester through their success on the rugby pitch.

Now they want to contribute even more to their home city.

If they can stop young people slipping through the education net, we're all for it.

It's perfectly possible teenagers will apply themselves more once they are removed from the dusty confines of the classroom.

And let's face it, even the most school-phobic pupil might think twice about slipping out of class with the likes of Tim Collier or Andre van Niekerk roaming the premises.