A LATE-night soccer league aimed at giving the red card to anti-social behaviour has kicked off in Burnley.

The Brazilian Midnight League has been launched by community groups to try and reduce vandalism and teen nuisance in the evenings when most trouble occurs.

The first match kicked off at Turf Moor on Friday and will continue every week for the next two months.

The project, organised by the council, Burnley Safety Community Partnership and Burnley Football Club involves eight teams of 14 to 16-year-olds battle it out in games of futsal.

The game originates from Brazil and uses a small ball, putting the emphasis on skill and footwork.

Coun Colette Bailey, the council's 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."