BURNLEY Wood under 15s are still looking for their first win of the season -- but it doesn't matter.

And it doesn't seem to worry manager Gary Evans that his young side might not even win for the rest of the campaign.

But what does matter for the manager of the Warburton Youth League's newest team is that his squad now have a sense of purpose -- they have something to look forward to.

Gary, a popular and successful local league player, decided enough was enough during the Burnley Riots -- which brought more gloom on the troubled community -- and immediately set up a football team.

"We held our first training session and the riot police were still patrolling the streets," he recalls. "We formed straight after the riots to give kids in the area something to do with their time and energy."

While it may not have paid immediate dividends on the pitch it certainly has worked off it.

Gary added: "We were given permission to train at Burnley Wood School's playing fields and the headmaster has reported that vandalism has dropped since we started."

"I've told the lads that we might not win this season because we are playing against teams that have been together since they were eight or nine. They have already taken a few hidings but it doesn't seem to matter. They are enjoying themselves and that is what really counts."

Gary has ploughed his own money into the team as well as worked hard to obtain sponsorship from local businesses.

However, it is not just the boys who have begun to channel their energies into sport for a newly formed netball team is soon to make its debut in the Burnley Winter Netball League.

Coach Jill Boggs said: "Gary got the football going for the lads and the girls wanted something to do as well. So I have been training with them every week and now we are looking forward to playing in the league."

The club is looking for new players and also sponsorship to help Burnley Wood expand.

Gary added: "I already have plans to introduce teams at other age groups at the end of the season so it would be great if we could obtain funding to help us." Anyone interested in joining the club or help with sponsorship should contact Gary Evans on 01282 451461 or Jill Boggs on 01282 720901.