A NEW scheme aimed at showing the red card to teenage boredom in the Valley Park area of Chandler's Ford is to kick-off tonight.

Friday Night Kick-Off will offer sports and other activities to boys and girls aged 13 to 17 at Knightwood Leisure Centre.

Circus skills, lifestyle quizzes and art sessions are some of the other things that will be laid on for the youngsters. The project is aimed at cutting vandalism and antisocial behaviour in the area.

Football training and competitions will be taken by coaches from Reading Football Club's Football in the Community division on the leisure centre's floodlit AstroTurf pitches.

Matt Hayman is drug and alcohol project co-ordinator for Eastleigh and Test Valley South Primary Care Trust, which is funding Friday Night Kick-Off alongside Test Valley Community Safety Partnership.

He said: "Young people are telling us there is little to do in the evenings in Valley Park. Friday Night Kick-Off is designed to show the red card to boredom on Friday nights by providing a fun and healthy activity in a safe environment. It has clear benefits for youngsters and the community."

Sara Reese, healthy living co-ordinator for Test Valley Council, added: "We're offering something for everyone - it's not just about boys playing football. We've got male and female coaches ready to offer boys and girls an opportunity to brush up on their ball skills, whether they are first time players or consider themselves pros. And for those that are just coming along for the fun, we'll have lots going on inside the annexe too."

She added: "We're also looking to find out what young people want to see on offer at Knightwood in the future. We can offer regular sports activities like Friday Night Kick-Off, one-off DJ and dance workshops, on-site confidential health advice from a qualified young people's health adviser and weekly youth clubs, plus much more.

"But we want to know what the local young people want so that we can offer the right mix of sessions."

The eight-week Friday Night Kick off is open to young people of all abilities and will cost just £1 per person for the two-hour session from 7pm to 9pm every Friday.

All football participants will need to complete a simple medical form before their session. For more information contact Matt Hayman on 023 8074 7429.