A SOCCER-mad policeman has set new goals for youngsters on estates plagued by bad behaviour.

Seeing that youngsters on his own Easterside Estate, in Middlesbrough, had nothing to do, beat bobby Nick Lynch organised a football team and got youngsters on neighbouring estates to play too.

The result was a six-a-side football league, encompassing four estates in the town and neighbouring Hemlington.

Having outgrown the kickaround area on the Easterside Estate, the team and their rival players now meet on the pitches of the Acklam Sports Centre free of charge.

Middlesbrough supporter PC Lynch plays football in the Stockton District League and recognised youngsters in his area were equally keen about football.

He said of the project, which is being funded through the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and Cleveland Community Foundation: "It is targeting kids who have nothing to do on an evening.

"I needed to get opposition for them and that is how we have got Beechwood and Saltersgill estates involved. It was just word of mouth getting around to other estates and colleagues enthusiastic about football, and they get other kids involved.

"It is targeting kids who on a night-time are on the fringe of anti-social behaviour,"

He said his aim was to win them over and redirect their behaviour.

Easterside resident June Goodchild said: "I think it is a wonderful idea, marvellous. It's giving them something to do and in something they are interested in. It's also keeping them off the streets."

The Jack Hatfield sports shops, across Teesside, are helping the teams by providing football strips and equipment on credit.

Owner Paul Barry said: "It is to keep lads off the street, keep them busy and active rather than hanging about on street corners and idle. We always like to encourage young people in sport."

The league is split into two - 13 to 15-year-olds and 16 to 18-year-olds.

PC Lynch said: "We have had two sessions already and the league is up and running, And we get a good crowd coming along to watch."