Schools minister Jacqui Smith was today joined by Portsmouth player-manager Steve Claridge to officially open the Pompey Playing for Success Centre.

They were expected to meet schoolchildren who have been using the centre to attend after school lessons to boost their reading, numeracy and IT skills.

Portsmouth is one of 35 centres to have opened. A total of 43 Premier League and Nationwide League Division One clubs have now signed up, including Southampton.

Thous-ands of pupils across the country now attend regular sessions out of school hours learning using the environment and the medium of football to motivate them as a curriculum tool.

Jacqui Smith said: "I am sure the children who come to Portsmouth will be inspired by this link to their local football club.

"Playing for Success Centres are providing a real boost to literacy and numeracy standards which are the foundation stones of children's education and at the heart of our strategy to improve achievement across the board. Without these skills young people are destined to under-achieve.

"There is £15million being invested in Playing for Success centres from all sources. This is an excellent example of real partnership in action - football, government and the community all working together for young people.

"We have also invited other football clubs and sports to get involved including rugby, basketball, ice hockey and netball. All sports which can bring education and sport together to benefit children."

Last night's reserve game against Crystal Palace at Fratton Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

It meant that the debut of Estonian national captain Martin Reim was put on hold.

Reim, 29, who is currently with Finnish club Kotka FK, has trained with the first team this week as part of a trial.

He is a creative central midfielder who is also equally at home at full-back or wing-back.

He has won 95 caps for his country, scoring 14 goals and plays his international football alongside former Pompey keeper Mart Poom, now with Derby County.

Earlier this season, Reim underwent similar trials with Pompey's Division 1 rivals Burnley and Nottingham Forest - and although he impressed both management teams with his neatness of touch, vision and passing skills, neither returned with the offer of a contract.