A SCHEME that uses football to keep Teesside's youngsters healthy and out of trouble has launched its new season.

Boro players, including defender Stuart Parnaby, kicked off an open weekend at the Middlesbrough Football Community Project, in Eston Leisure Complex, South Bank.

The Premiership stars also launched the scheme's biggest membership drive, which saw free membership offered to every youngster living in the TS6 postcode area.

"Every week, youngsters come to us from all over Teesside, but we would expect a lot more to come from the Eston and South Bank areas, immediately surrounding the centre," said Football in the Community manager Malcolm Hett.

Membership gives youngsters discounted rates on coaching sessions, league competitions and school holiday activities.

They receive a regular newsletter, and also get discounted purchases at Middlesbrough FC's club shop, preferential booking rights for hire facilities and discounted rates on organised trips.

And a new reward system, for the 2005/6 season, based on attendance, will qualify youngsters for free activities.

The centre has a floodlit, full-size Astroturf pitch, which can be converted into three seven-a-side pitches, and three grassed pitches, while indoors there is a seven-a-side Astroturf pitch and two five-a-side pitches.

"First and foremost, we are a charitable organisation, which encourages children to get involved in recreational activity and to develop a more healthy lifestyle," said Mr Hett.

"In doing this, Middlesbrough Football Club has a unique opportunity to identify and help nurture talent from the cradle to the grave of football. Becoming a member here effectively places youngsters on the first rung of Boro's football academy ladder."

For more information, call Middlesbrough Football Community Project on (0871) 2821280.