MUMBAI: UK pubcaster The BBC will launch its first ever sports news programme dedicated to children. Sportsround will be a new addition to the Newsround portfolio and will be shown weekly on Saturdays on BBC One.

It will provide a round-up of the stories behind the week's sporting headlines, preview big sporting events, run features on different sports and show viewers how they can become involved in sporting activities. The programme will also focus on issues affecting sport and young people and feature grass roots reports by Sportsround's reporters - Adam Fleming, Ade Adepitan and Lizzie Greenwood. There will also be reports from Press Packers - younger viewers who submit ideas for reports via the website and subsequently film them for the programme.

Sportsround will also interview some of the biggest names in sport and kicks off with the man of the moment, scorer of Northern Ireland's winner over England, David Healy - who will feature in the first programme on Saturday 10 September. CBBC Controller Alison Sharman said: "We know children love sport, but we haven't till now had a dedicated sports programme for them. Sportsround will break new ground, bringing some of the biggest sporting talent to young audiences, as well as getting kids more involved in taking part in sporting activity. I am keen that sport becomes a central part of CBBC's output as it plays such a vital part in developing healthy lifestyles for our youngsters."

Sportsround will be presented by CBBC anchor Jake Humphrey, who is an extreme sports fan and a keen snowboarder. Humphrey says, "I am so excited to have the opportunity to present Sportsround. I'm sports mad and it really is a dream come true to land this job. I also think it's really important for children to get involved with sport as early as possible so they can learn about things like team work and discipline. And just as importantly, if children aren't playing sport now, where will we find the Freddie Flintoffs and Wayne Rooneys of the future?"