SOCCER crazy youngsters from Lancaster are challenging local bobbies to a end of season friendly next week to bolster community spirit. Teenagers from Skerton will be pitting their tackling skills against a team of coppers in a move to establish better links between the two sides and call a truce on persistent problems such as vandalism. Insp Philip Barnes said they also had plans to hold monthly surgeries for residents north of the river and even go as far as helping youngsters with their homework!

A team of 20 young footy stars from Skerton, Beaumont and the Vale estates have signed up to take part in the game of the season.

Patrick O'Donnell, 15, from Beaumont said they had high hopes. He told the Citizen: "I think the match is a good idea and gets everyone together."

Adam Pyle, 14, from Heysham High School added: "Training is already under way and we hope to run rings around the police."

Opposing team member, Insp Barnes told the Citizen he too was looking forward to a great game.

He said: "Kids say they're bored and have nothing to do and we recognise those problems. Through the match we want to give them hope and a purpose so they realise things can be done if they talk to people who can help."

The match, which takes place at Salt Ayre leisure centre next Wednesday evening (April 30), reflects moves by the police to start more community based policing - even to the extent of giving youngsters a hand with their homework.

"I believe half the problem is the fact that people don't get a good education, some get better than others so anything we can do to help we will. It's a tough old world out there," added Insp Barnes.

Cllr Charles Grattan, of Skerton, also praised the initiative. He said: "This kind of community effort has proved successful in other areas so I am sure it can work here as well."

Myra Rowett, of the Skerton Community Association, said: "The police are doing the best they can to solve problems but we must do our bit as well. There's so much bad publicity about juvenile nuisance so it's nice to see something positive for a change."

The game kicks off at 6.30pm. Post-match analysis takes place at McDonald's in a complimentary nosh up!

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