Crime cash used in coaching plan

The money will be used to give children football coaching

Money seized from criminals is to be used to give football coaching to up to 30,000 youngsters.

The scheme, described as "groundbreaking" by the Scottish Government, will cost more than £4m.

It is aimed at diverting children away from anti-social behaviour and has already been piloted in local schemes.

Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill said the money from drug dealers and other serious criminals would be going back into communities for the first time.

A number of football-related initiatives will be launched, including a national network of five-a-side coaching and tournaments and up to 1,300 schools-based football teams.

More projects

The three-year initiative is part of the Cashback for Communities Scheme and is based on an existing programme funded by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and the HBOS Bank.

It will be followed by other schemes aimed at improving opportunities for young people.

The Scottish Government will give about £2.2m from its proceeds of crime fund to the scheme with another £1.9m coming from the SFA and other sponsors.

The scheme is due to be unveiled by Mr MacAskill and Gordon Smith, chief executive of the SFA.

More projects funded from the proceeds of crime will be announced in the coming months.