The former Liverpool player hopes to score a hit with the youngsters

The former England manager will kick off an initiative aimed at getting youngsters off the streets and more involved in sports.

The TFI (Thank fun it's) Friday project has been organised by the local council and Strathclyde Police.

It has already helped reduce incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

The scheme offers 12-16 year-olds the chance to take part in activities including football, ice-skating and climbing at the Time Capsule leisure centre in Coatbridge.

It began in August but Kevin Keegan will officially launch the football part of it on Friday.

The TFI project has made a big difference and levels of anti-social behaviour have fallen Eddie Dollochin Social inclusion manager

Those behind the initiative said it was set-up to encourage local youngsters, who would normally spend a Friday night drinking and hanging around outside the leisure centre, to do something more constructive.

Social inclusion manager with the council, Eddie Dollochin, said: "There were real problems with underage drinking, vandalism, cars being targeted, and even instances of leisure staff being verbally abused.

"However, the TFI project has made a big difference and levels of anti-social behaviour have fallen.

'More purposeful'

He added: "The kids now have something more purposeful to do and by taking part in activities on offer they can improve their health and well-being.

"Obviously they are all very excited about getting some dribbling and scoring tips from a legend like Kevin Keegan."

Constable Andy Duncan from Strathclyde Police said: "These activities are free to local youngsters and we want to do all we can to encourage them to come and along and take part.

"All too often, we hear that there is nothing for young adults to do and this is a perfect opportunity for them to learn a new sport and possibly make some new friends along the way."