SOME of the North-East's leading footballers are joining the trend for colourful wristbands to show their support for an anti-bullying drive.

Members of the Sunderland squad are backing Tackle It, a scheme aimed at providing young people with education about anti-social behaviour, bullying and citizenship.

They will highlight their involvement by wearing red-and-white wristbands during the Coca-Cola Championship match with Cardiff, at the Stadium of Light, today.

The club's charitable body, the SAFC Foundation, has linked up with Wear Kids, Sunderland Youth Offending Team's prevention programme, to fund the six-week programme.

It is targeted at school years five and six, pinpointing friendships, self-esteem and behaviour.

As part of the programme, schools are encouraged to redevelop their anti-bullying strategy and look at avenues to combat bullying.

First team skipper Gary Breen said the players were happy to offer their backing for the scheme.

He said: "It's something we feel really strongly about. The manager has agreed and we feel it's a worthwhile thing. If we can play our part, then all the better."

Judith Hay, of the Youth Offending Service, said: "We're very pleased to be working in partnership with the football club and the schools to promote the anti-bullying initiative."

Tackle It co-ordinator John Fothergill, of the SAFC Foundation, has already undertaken four programmes as a pilot exercise, in Valley Road and Bexhill primary schools, in Sunderland.