Police football scheme fights crime

The scheme's goal is a decrease in crime in the area

Budding David Beckhams will be showing off their soccer skills as part of a new project to get youth off the streets.

Police in Taunton have joined Taunton Deane Borough Council to run football coaching lessons aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds from the Somerset town.

The sessions, which kick off on Thursday, 31 July 31 at 1500BST in Lingford Park, are aimed at giving teenagers in the area focus and professional coaching during the long summer break.

It is hoped the scheme will discourage youths from taking part in anti-social behaviour and give youngsters somewhere to go.

Council cash has paid for permanent goalposts to be put up in Lingford Park and soldiers from the Royal Marines are also taking part in the scheme.

Pc Tess Wilson said: "The coaching sessions are for boys and girls of all levels and are free.

"We have worked hard with our partners at Taunton Deane Borough Council to try and make this work and reduce instances of anti-social behaviour in Taunton."