Criminal cash sponsors under-21s

The new shirt logo was unveiled at Hampden

Cash seized from criminals will be used to sponsor the Scotland under-21 football team.

CashBack for Communities will take over the sponsorship from drinks firm Tennents and the scheme's logo will be emblazoned on the team's training kit.

It will cost about £70,000, which is being provided by the Scottish Government from the proceeds of crime.

It also includes 300 free tickets for home games, which will be available in competitions.

It is hoped it will encourage youngsters to take part in the project, which promotes a range of sports and cultural activities.

Players from the squad will also make themselves available for media events related to CashBack.

'Role models'

Trackside advertising will go up for the team's next game against Finland.

Announcing the scheme, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Scotland's young international footballers are the kind of positive role models that our young people can look up to.

"This sponsorship arrangement gives us the opportunity to promote our CashBack for Communities scheme to a wider and younger audience and to encourage our youngsters to be all they can be."

He said the deal was a "great example" of government and industry working together.

National youth team manager Billy Stark welcomed the announcement, saying: "The idea of taking cash back from criminals and using it to benefit the lives of Scotland's young people is fantastic.

"This is exactly what the Scottish game needs - more young people involved at grassroots level - developing their footballing skills, their social skills, and their sense of community."

The sponsorship announcement was made at Hampden Park.