 Police hope sport will divert youths away from crime |
A portable sports arena, which can be set up in open spaces in 30 minutes, is to be placed in trouble hot spots in Glasgow to tackle disorder. Police hope a street football project launched on Thursday will encourage youths in Govan to keep out of trouble.
Kicks and Tricks, launched with Rangers Community Football, aims to move young people away from anti-social behaviour.
The pitch can be adapted to other sports and will be available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Ch Supt Robin Howe, local police commander, said: "This is an excellent way of getting young people who would normally not mix together, to meet and to get to know each other.
"There is a tremendous pressure on some youngsters with regard to territorialism and gang-related crime and this is one other way of breaking down those barriers and reducing crime and disorder."
Greg Statt, a full-time football development officer, will work with police.
He said: "This is an innovative new project and we will be making it available for as many young people as possible.
"Previously they have had nothing and perhaps got involved in anti-social behaviour."
The scheme has proved successful in cutting crime and disorder in Aberdeen and Arbroath.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Previously they have had nothing and perhaps got involved in anti-social behaviour
