UK-based studio Dot to Dot Productions has secured a CBeebies commission for its brand-new live-action/animated preschool sports series Footy Pups.

Set to air in spring 2015, the 30 x 15-minute ep series for children ages three to six encourages young kids to get inspired by sports and exercise with a focus on football.

The series is hosted by English football star Rachel Yankey, who plays for Arsenal in the FA Women’s Super League and for England’s national team.

Each episode will highlight a new skill taught by Yankey to a group of children and a team of animated canines known as the Footy Pups, which competes in an animal league against rival teams of hippos, ducks and cheetahs.

Dot to Dot’s head of development Alan Robinson created the series, and the company’s founder and former primary school teacher Jo Killingley is on-board to produce.

CBeebies controller Kay Benbow commissioned Footy Pups, which will be executive-produced for the BBC by Catherine McAllister.

The deal comes after Dot to Dot secured a CBBC commission last summer for its new factual kids show Art Ninja.

CBeebies also supports two additional Dot to Dot preschool properties, Get Squiggling! and spin-off Squiggling Letters.