SCHOOL leavers in Leyton have been given the chance to build confidence and improve technology skills.

Under a new scheme, called 'Communicating for Success', 15 youngsters aged 16 to 25 took part in an 'Olympic Opportunities' course designed to help them into the sport and leisure industry.

Run by BT and the Football Foundation, working with the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) and the Score Centre, the 12-week project combines IT and sport.

It culminates in an Olympic-themed sports tournament for schoolchildren, planned, organised and delivered those taking part in the project.

Concluding this month, the programme offered the chance to learn coaching skills and take part in sport sessions around north east London.

Those who completed the course gained a UK Sports Lead Level Two Award in community sports leadership.

They also worked towards IT key skills qualifications, going online to produce work looking at the impact of the 2012 Games on the local area.

Community programme staff offered one-to-one mentoring and employment skills workshops covered CV writing, job applications and interview technique.

Philip Rudling, Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme deputy chief executive, said: “This project really has the power to help vulnerable youngsters at this crucial crossroads of their lives.

“It is so easy to lose your way after leaving school and have no direction for the years ahead.

“The power of football and the backdrop of the forthcoming Olympic Games were used to inspire these young people to really believe in themselves and provide them with some essential tools to help them on their journey to work or further education.”

Communicating for Success (CfS) is a £1million UK-wide programme and is aimed at using football to fight digital exclusion and improve communication skills.