United stars given judo lesson

Manchester United players John O'Shea and Danny Welbeck got some first-hand experience of what it takes to be a judo fighter at the launch of the Premier League 4Sport programme.

Beijing Olympian Sarah Clark, the 2009 European Silver medallist, gave the footballers an introduction to the martial art, which has high hopes of delivering medals at the London Games in 2012.

Ireland international O'Shea said: "I hadn't tried judo before, but it was great fun. I wasn't totally sure what judo involved, but I now know that there is no kicking or punching and it is all about outwitting your opponent with a variety of skills and techniques.

"Judo is certainly a sport which can help break down barriers between participants and help to get children fit."

The launch event was hosted by the Manchester United Foundation along with the four Premier League 4Sport programme sports - judo, volleyball, table tennis and badminton.

Clark, 31, hopes the scheme can help develop talent ahead of 2012.

"The Premier League 4Sport programme will give vast amounts of children the opportunity to try different sports and help to encourage them to participate in sports that they may not have tried before," the Edinburgh fighter said.

"Judo is a sport which not many people have tried but is a fantastic activity that children of all ages and sizes can get involved in and enjoy".