A FOOTBALL club aimed at keeping Lancashire youngsters off the streets and out of trouble is starting the new season in style - by signing up Blackburn Rovers' player Colin Hendry as their president.

Lancon Juniors, run from the Lancashire Constabulary headquarters in Preston, boasts four teams from U11s to U14s level and were delighted when the Scottish international agreed to give his support.

U12s manager Sergeant Rick Hoyle told the Citizen: "It's great to have a Premiership star because is gives the lads a lot more encouragement.

"And Colin is a good role model as he is a family man and stays out of trouble."

The teams, which play in the Central Lancashire Junior League, were set up in 1995 by PC Mick Yeadon, a member of the police's community safety department, who manages the U14s side.

Players are drawn from towns all over the county from a mixture of backgrounds and the benefits are far more than just learning football skills.

PC Yeadon explained: "It is all about developing social skills and building up better relations with the police.

"We teach them to be responsible, look after the equipment and listen when people are talking to them."

And it is working. One wayward youngster was commended by his headteacher for the vast improvement in his behaviour and work.

The other benefit is the friendships being built up, as Sgt Hoyle says: "We have good kids who are not from problem estates mixing with disadvantaged youngsters and we have found they bond really well together.

"There are no barriers in sport - no-one looks at who you are or where you come from.

"And unlike other initiatives, this includes the whole family.

"Parents come and watch, have a chat and we have fundraising events throughout the year.

"It is very much a community project."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.