A COMMUNITY sports centre in Stockton is in the running for a national 'community football' competition.

North Shore Academy's Community Zone has made the shortlist for the FA Mars Just Play Centre of the Year Award, which is voted by the public.

The awards recognise the centre's efforts to boost football participation numbers at Just Play kickabout sessions.

Set up in the heart of the Tilery Council Estate, where Channel 4's Benefits Street was filmed, North Shore Academy Community Zone has proved popular and is connected to the nearby North Shore Academy school.

An FA Mars spokesman said the centre had; "dramatically altered" the area. He said: "Addressing the limited access the community had to a state of the art football pitch, the centre has led to a decrease in anti-social behaviour in the area as well a positive health benefit for participants."

The centre is now in the running to win a top prize at the FA Mars Just Play Awards which includes the opportunity to see behind the scenes at an England training session at St. George’s Park and hospitality tickets to an England game. Winners will be revealed at the official awards ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday 6th June.

Andy Dyke, The FA’s National Participation Manager, said: “We would like to congratulate North Shore Academy Community Zone on being shortlisted for this year’s FA Mars Just Play Awards. We would encourage them to continue the good work to help inspire others to get involved and take part in a local Just Play kickabout.”

The last voting day is on Wednesday (June 1). Vote for the North-East footballing youngsters at thefa.com/my-football/justplay/just-play-awards