A YOUTH club is offering children a structured alternative to hanging around the streets, as the Government pledges to place a youth club in each neighbourhood to help prevent teenage anti-social behaviour.
As part of Sunderland City Council's Extended Schools programme, Blue Watch Youth Centre has secured funding to pilot the Blue Watch Juniors youth group, in Ryhope.
The club is aimed at children from eight to 12 and has 36 members.
Tony Semley, project manager at Blue Watch Youth Centre, said: "Everyone involved with the Blue Watch Juniors agrees that it's a great success.
"The youngsters have all settled into a constructive environment that encourages them to try different things and socialise with a wider range of peers.
"They are all enjoying the rewards of participating in new activities and are definitely benefiting from new experiences."
Providing youth clubs for children from eight to 12 means that once they reach 13, they are used to attending such activities and are settled amongst their peers.
Blue Watch encourages young people to participate in a range of activities, including sports, cooking, film nights and trying their hands at music.
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