A NEW initiative which will use the excitement and glamour of football to boost the health and education of young people has been launched in the region.

Backed by former England cricketer Graeme Swann the new ‘Five-a-Side’ project launched at St James' Park is a joint venture by The Supporters Club - BT Sport’s charitable initiative - and the Newcastle United Foundation.

The aim is to engage young people in the Newcastle area, with the aim of improving their wellbeing and achievement in school, in order to give them greater self-esteem and confidence.

It is the latest initiative to be rolled out as part of a partnership between BT Sport’s The Supporters Club and the Premier League to fund social change programmes focused on young people.

To date, the two have backed Everton in the Community, Manchester City’s City in the Community and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, featuring programmes about the work of these projects on prime-time BT Sport.

The project will target 13 to 18 year olds across 20 schools in the Newcastle area who are classed as being, or at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Mr Swann said: “I love the North-East and this new scheme backed by BT Sport will only provide more opportunities for youngsters in the area. Getting stuck in today and witnessing how much fun the youngsters can have while learning key life skills was a pleasure.”