After finishing school they had no plans, no prospects and no future in education, training or employment.

But after a kickabout with a football in a park they heard about the Sportiv8 course run through the Pompey Study Centre, which uses football to inspire youngsters to learn.

The 10-week course included level one Football Association coaching, ICT lessons and self-belief modules for 11 teenagers aged 16 to 18.
Now with greater literacy skills and confidence, the group including Kim and George are studying at college with a football coaching qualification to boot.

Kim missed a lot of school and didn't sit any GCSE exams, leaving him with no qualifications. But now the 17-year-old is doing his level two football coaching and studying BTEC courses in maths, English and sport at Portsmouth College.

The former Miltoncross School pupil, of Western Avenue, Milton in Portsmouth, said: 'I was just loitering about. I wasn't doing any work at all, just playing the Xbox and having little kickabouts with my mates.

'Then when I was playing football down at Bransbury Park a couple of people mentioned about this course so I gave it a go.

'Before I wouldn't really go up to people to speak to them but now I can. I also found something I want to do in the long term, hopefully football coaching.

'The course has put my life back on track. I would probably still be sitting at home if I hadn't gone on the course.'

George tried hard to get a job after leaving Priory School last summer, but was told he needed more experience and qualifications. After being inspired by the Sportiv8 course he's also studying at Portsmouth College, doing a BTEC diploma in sport and his level two football coaching to help become a PE teacher.

The 17-year-old of George Street, Copnor, said: 'I didn't know what to do. But thanks to the course I'm back in education. It's definitely had a real impact on my life.'

Sportiv8 teacher Becky Maddock and trainer Claire Nixon said they were proud of the group.

Miss Maddock said: 'The course gives them qualifications and social skills and is a good stepping stone to something else.
'They really gelled as a group and became good friends.'