Harlequins FC will unveil an innovative and exciting scheme on Monday at a drinks reception to be held at Ernest Bevin College, Tooting, writes Will Thomas.

Present will be representatives from NEC, Sportsmatch, Ernest Bevin, and Harlequins along with Quins players Gary Botha and Ugo Monye lending their support to the event.

The event will kick-off with a half hour coaching clinic for youngsters with Harlequins coach and former British Lion Tony Diprose at 4.30pm followed by a drinks reception and speeches at 5pm.

NEC, who were the main sponsor of Harlequins for 11 years, and are still involved with the club through this innovative development sponsorship have also been able to Sportsmatch the £50,000 raised.

The money will go towards equipment such as rugby balls, scrum machines and travel costs as well as the provision of coaches to be used at Ernest Bevin College in Tooting and feeder primary schools around Lambeth and Wandsworth.

The long term aim is to provide a magnet' school for both codes of rugby in south London. The boys will play regular fixtures against more established rugby schools and the best among them will be invited into the Harlequins Academy system.

Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans said: "The indoor facilities at Ernest Bevin are excellent and I am sure than within 10 years we will, with the help of NEC and Sportsmatch, have produced a number of professional players from this area.

"It's fantastic news that there is a scheme in place to match the sponsorship to aid the development and growth of rugby. Once the scheme is operating Harlequins will also be providing youngsters with match tickets, branded kit and the use of our facility at the Twickenham Stoop. We're all very excited about what lies ahead."

David Payette, President & Chief Executive Officer of NEC (UK) Ltd, commented: "NEC has enjoyed a great relationship with Quins over the past 11 years and we are delighted that it will continue in this way. We are very pleased to be able to work with the Quins due to their commitment to developing the game in their local area."