PROFESSIONAL basketball players are encouraging youngsters to channel their energies into sport - and not be caught up in anti-social behaviour.

Stars from the Teesside Mohawks Basketball Team will be in West Middlesbrough on Wednesday to showcase their talents for local youngsters.

The team's involvement with youngsters in west Middlesbrough is part of Project Hoop Dreams whose operations manager is Howard Leighton.

He said: "The Hoop Dreams project works by engaging young people through sport and activities. This encourages them to make decisions for themselves, and can help them to enjoy healthy, crime-free and more fulfilled lifestyles."

Taster training sessions will be held for five-year-olds to 12 year-olds at St Cuthbert's Youth and Community Centre from 5pm to 6.30pm on Tuesdays, and at the Whinney Banks Youth and Community Centre from 4pm to 5pm on Mondays, for eight to 12-year-olds.

Further sessions are planned at Newport Settlement as well as outreach sessions on the streets.

Joan Ford, chairwoman of the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) said: "The project has run sessions at Acklam Grange School in the past and we're now trying to find out if it is something that we can develop in the wider community, with funding from WMNT's health team. Our young people need good role models to learn from and teamwork to develop their skills and that's what lies at the heart of the Hoop Dreams project."

Young people and residents will meet the Project Hoop Dreams team as well as players and coaches from the Teesside Mohawks who will put on a display on Wednesday 3.30pm at Newport all-weather pitch, off St Paul's Road.