Night-Time Kicks for Young Footballers

The Friday Night Football League, aimed at lads aged 13 to 17, was piloted in Clitheroe and Longridge last August. It was a huge success, attracting up to 60 youngsters per session and around 40 spectators.

The scheme, which is coordinated by Ribble Valley Borough Council, backed by the Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership and sponsored by Ribble Valley Homes, aims to tackle juvenile nuisance and anti-social behaviour by getting youngsters off the streets on Friday nights.

The league meets in five-weekly blocks at several venues in the borough, including at Clitheroe Castle , at various times between 7 and 10.30pm.

Ribble Valley community sports facilitator Peter Fletcher said: "Young people have told us that they want more activities at night and have taken the lead on putting the league together.

"The pilot scheme was a great success and attracted many participants, who might otherwise have been at risk of offending, and we are looking forward to a bumper turnout over the coming months."

Further details of the Friday Night Football League are available by texting LEAGUE to 07971 913330. If enough girls are interested, a league may be formed for them in the future.

Picture: Clitheroe youngster James Barnes helped to launch the Friday Night Football League.

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Ref: PR1910.

Date: March 30 2010.