STREET wardens are getting together with Middlesbroughs Rainbow Leisure Centre to organise five-a-side football sessions for local young people.

Coulby Newham wardens Adam Parkinson and Clare Allen, who run the sessions, came up with the idea after talking with the young people on the streets who said they had little to do at weekends.

Mr Parkinson said: "We try to encourage young people to do something positive instead of just aimlessly hanging around on street corners. We hope that these football sessions will not only help relieve their boredom but a shared love of football will hopefully also encourage teamwork and a sense of community."

Gemma Boys, fitness manager at the leisure centre, added: "Working with the street wardens has enabled the centre to create better links with young people by encouraging them to become more active by taking part in physical activity.

"Apart from distracting them from potential anti-social behaviour, the associated health benefits are also one of the main aims of Middlesbrough Sport & Leisure."

The next two sessions take place at the centre on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 19 between 6pm and 7pm.