A FOOTBALL scheme is turning around the lives of youngsters and offering them a future in the game.

Youngsters in Hamilton are tackling drugs, alcohol and behavioural problems with the help of Strathclyde Police, South Lanarkshire Council, Universal Connections and Hamilton Academical FC.

The project kicked off last May and at the start of each 10-week course, 24 youngsters were supplied with a football kit and given professional coaching. They played against school teams from South Lanarkshire and across the UK.

And members of the Kick It Kick Off scheme had their achievements recognised at a ceremony in Hamilton Accies' boardroom, where they were given a Sports Leader award.

PC Kirsty McKinlay, of Strathclyde Police, said: "These boys worked extremely hard to achieve this award, which allows them to progress to Level One and Two SFA Football Coaching."