A LATE-night football league designed to kick anti-social behaviour among teenagers into touch will start tonight.

The Brazilian Midnight League has been launched in Burnley by community groups in a bid to reduce crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour late at night when louts are most likely to strike.

The league kicks-off at Turf Moor and a top councillor said the competition would be a great chance for youngsters to improve their soccer skills.

Coun Colette Bailey, executive member for leisure, said: "Boredom can lead to anti-social behaviour and the Brazilian Midnight soccer tournament gives young people something productive to do."

The project is being organised by the council, Burnley Community Safety Partnership and the Clarets.

It will involve 14-16 year olds as eight teams from across the borough battle it out in 25-minute matches held in the sports hall.

The five-a-side Futsal tournament will be held between 9pm and 11pm every Friday for eight weeks and if successful could be expanded.

Futsal football originates from Brazil and uses a small ball putting the emphasis on footwork and skill.

Originally the tournament was going to run until midnight but organisers decided to bring it forward.

All teams will be led by an adult and youngsters can only take part with parental consent.

The council's sports development officer Afrasiab Anwar said: "If this initial tournament is successful, and we're confident it will be, then we'll look at making it permanent, rolling it out to other teams and perhaps running it on a Saturday night as well."

Daneshouse and Stoneyholme councillor Rafique Malik added: "It's a reality that there are kids on the street till midnight so if they can be provided some sort of activity then we should explore all avenues."

Sarah Green, of Piccadilly Community Action Group, added: "It's a brilliant idea."