FREE coaching lessons in team sport are being set up for deprived schoolgirls in London’s East End.

It’s being paid for with a �2,000 windfall announced today (Wed) by Boris Johnson at City Hall.

The mayor gave the news at a gathering of sports stars including Commonwealth weightlifting medallist Zoe Smith and England women’s footballer Rachel Yankey.

London Youth Games Foundation chairman Anthony Kendall said afterwards: “Emphasis is currently on the use of the Olympic Stadium in East London after the 2012 Games. We can open up opportunities through these grants for more youngsters to take part in competitive sport and fulfil their potential.”

The cash for the Tower Hamlets coaching scheme is part of a �50,000 London ‘grass roots’ youth sport programme by Balfour Beatty Sports Development grants aimed at disadvantaged youngsters who may not get the chance for team activity.

This year’s awards to 18 projects across London will benefit around 3,500 disadvantaged youngsters.