Club coaches are training youngsters as part of a sporting scheme to keep 12 to 18-year-olds out of trouble.
Yoga classes are also on offer alongside football sessions as part of the Football Foundation's Kickz initiative.
The free activities a
re being laid on three nights a week at Bransbury Park, Eastney, Portsmouth University and across the city to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour by giving children a positive sporting outlet as well as educational and volunteering opportunities. Information is also on offer about sexual health and drugs.
Sergeant Alison Nowosielski from Southsea police said: 'We want children to come to us to gain skills and qualifications that will help them get employed. Once they have those qualifications we want to see them through to employment.
'For children who ordinarily would have nothing to do after school, Kickz is a fantastic opportunity.'
Hampshire Police Authority has given £3,000 to fund the project. But £10,000 of donations is still needed.
Although the scheme is presently based in Portsmouth, it is hoped it can be extended to Gosport.
For more information on Kickz, contact programme manager Julian Wadsworth on 07824 415169.
The full article contains 215 words and appears in NS-City newspaper.
