Football trip aids respect agenda

About 60 pupils from a Darlington school are to attend an open day at the town's football club to learn about the problems of anti-social behaviour.

The visit by youngsters from Eastbourne Comprehensive School, is part of a project backed by the Three Rivers housing group.

The aim is to show children how education and sport can influence how they behave.

Part of the project also involves tackling race issues within the sport.

Gareth Heslington, customer services officer at Three Rivers Housing Group said: "We feel it is important that children, particularly between the ages of 11 to 16, are aware of what anti-social behaviour is, and how it can impact on people's lives.

"This event will be followed by a series of coaching sessions to give the children a great opportunity to excel, develop and enjoy sport, but at the same time, being educated on the key issues that the government's respect agenda is trying to address."