Under the initiative, officially launched last week, primary schools across Australia will get the chance to access funding for coaching and programs from more than 30 sports, before, during or after school.

With a quarter of Australian children overweight or obese and many more lacking basic skills like catching and kicking, Sporting Schools aims to encourage involvement in sport from a young age.

Thirty-one schools in the New England electorate have signed up to be a part of the initiative.

St Joseph’s Tenterfield and Urbenville Public School have both put their hand up to become involved.

“We’re very excited by the opportunities this will open up for us,” St Joseph’s principal Cherie Yates said.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said the schools involved could now turn their attention to implementing the programs.

“Being involved in this new programme will expand sporting opportunities for children before, during and after school hours at New England electorate primary schools.

“Sporting Schools is designed to deliver sports in line with local schools’ needs and ultimately to get the children of the New England electorate active, engaged and having fun through sport, more often.”

Three-quarters of Australian kids spend their spare time watching television, yet only one third of children are managing the recommended hour of physical activity a day. Only half of our kids are involved in sport.

“That’s why our new Sporting Schools programme is so important to ensuring current and future generations of Australian kids keep fit, healthy and happy.”

The announcement is also supported by the release of a new online guide offering parents tips on how best to nurture their child’s interest in taking up a sport, as well as maintaining it as they get older.