Community & Leisure - News
Teenagers turn out for late night football
Monday 26 February 2007
The first night of the Bank of Scotland Midnight League football programme in Lerwick has been hailed a success, with over fifty teenagers taking part at the Clickimin Centre last Saturday. The programme aims to offer young people an outlet for their energy on weekend evenings and enough young people came along to form ten five-a-side teams, plus spectators, that played short games until after 11pm.
Until mid-April, indoor football will be on offer in Lerwick every Saturday night, as part of the national initiative to reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour among 12 to 16 year olds. The Midnight League programme across Scotland is funded by the Bank of Scotland with the support of the Scottish Football Association.
Commenting on the success of the first night, Lerwick-based Youth Development Worker, Michael Welsh said - "We're all delighted with the response from youngsters at a busy first session. There was a very positive atmosphere throughout and everyone had a good time. It's great to see different agencies and young people working together through the medium of sport."
The programme is being co-ordinated locally by Shetland Islands Council, with support from Shetland Recreational Trust and Northern Constabulary.
ENDS