FOOTBALL mad youngsters in Southampton will be able to brush up on their soccer skills thanks to a new football goal at Redbridge Wharf Park.

The posts have been put up following a joint initiative by leisure chiefs at Southampton City Council and the Outer Shirley Regeneration Board in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Youth and community safety co-ordinators for the board, Marie Draper and Bob Reeve, both liaised with the council to provide more facilities and constructive activities for young people in the area.

Marie said: "It is often boredom that leads young people to cause a nuisance and behave in an antisocial manner. As they have nothing to do, the young people often hang around on the streets and this obviously causes distress to local people.

"By building relationships with young people and talking to local residents, we are trying to find a compromise to the situation in Old Redbridge."