A LATE-NIGHT football competition is to return next week, following the success of a similar event last year.

The Game On football competition, nicknamed Midnight Football, was set up to provide bored youngsters with an alternative to hanging around on the streets.

Six-a-side matches take place on Saturday evenings, at Soccerena, in the Belmont area of Durham City.

They are aimed at players aged 14 to 16.

Durham Police and the Coalfields Regeneration Trust set up the project as a means of tackling anti-social behaviour.

Admission is free to teenagers in the Durham City area and, last year, an average of more than 120 youngsters took part every week.

This year's nine-week season kicks off at the Soccerena on Saturday, with games played between 6.30pm and 9pm.

Paul Shadforth, County Durham Positive Futures co-ordinator, said: "Midnight Football is an excellent concept, that links so many key social issues into one package - for example health improvement, reduction of youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour - and yet is fun for all of those involved."

PC Karen Hall, youth issues officer with Durham Constabulary, said: "The fact that the league is run on a Saturday night is an excellent idea, as there are very limited examples of alternatives for young people at this time."

Paul Usher, Game On co-ordinator for Durham City Council's leisure services department, said: "The league's main objective was to reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour on Saturday evenings and, due to the vast numbers, we believe we have had some success.

"It was also great to see the boys develop their social and sporting skills over the course of the league."

Anyone interested in taking part or wanting more information can contact Kay Chaney on 0191-301 8679.