Sporting Chance, now in its third year, offers parents the chance to download or pick up a voucher to let their children take part for free in a wide range of physical activities throughout the school holidays.

"Sporting Chance has proved incredibly successful with children and families and this year's growth in participation rates is hugely encouraging," said Robertson.

"I welcome Asda's belief in sport for young people.

"Their investment is helping children across the UK have access to sporting opportunities beyond the school gates."

The number of families taking up the offer rose by 36,000 this year.

Asda has grown the scheme and now offers a minimum of five different activities for each store's region, with many offering a lot more.

The highest numbers of vouchers were redeemed in the summer holidays, with 38,000 families taking part.

Easter saw 27,500 participants, with 13,600 taking part in February and 4,200 joining in the fun in October half term.

Fiona Campbell-Reilly, Asda head of community, said: "It's a great achievement for Sporting Chance to have been able to increase participation so much in a busy year of stresses and strains for families.

"Our message to those in charge of community sport is to join Asda in looking for ways to make sport affordable to families.

"We are looking for partners in 2011 to increase provision of free sessions even further as we believe in Sporting Chance and think it benefits not only families' health and wellbeing but gives youngsters the chance to try sports they may otherwise not be able to afford."