A SCHEME set up last year to encourage the growth of grassroots football in Hartlepool continues to flourish.

David Burns was appointed as the town's first football development officer in February last year, as part of the Grayfields Football Foundation project.

Since the scheme got under way, a youth league has been created and more than 100 people have completed a Level One FA coaching course, with nearly half of them being women.

Clubs and residents' associations have been encouraged to secure funding for their own football programmes, with more than £52,000 raised in grants so far.

One of the clubs, St Francis 2000, has achieved Charter Standard Community Club status - the pinnacle for all grassroots clubs.

The club is the only one in Hartlepool to achieve this status, and is one of only 16 in the Durham FA area be awarded the standard.

John Mennear, Hartlepool Borough Council's assistant director of community services, said: "The establishment of the youth league was unusual enough with it being the only one in the county not operated by Durham FA. But it was unique in that it was made up of teams coming from areas in the town where anti-social behaviour was prevalent."

He added: "This is a really excellent example of how sport can provide community cohesion and make a significant difference to those within our local communities."

Mr Burns said: "I believe the football development programme is making a significant impact and difference locally.

"With the near completion of Grayfields Recreation Ground, the next step of the project will be able to be kick started."

Councillor Victor Tumilty, the council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and transportation, recommended that Mr Burns be presented with some form of award to recognise his work