A PROJECT to get young people interested in fun, safe activities rather than getting into trouble has been launched in the Breckland area.Kickz, run by the charity Norwich City Football in the Community, has received a �15,000 grant in a bidled by the Breckland Local Strategic Partnership and will offer football coaching and competitions as well as a range of other positive activities, which could include basketball, street dance, boxing as well as music and arts workshops.

A PROJECT to get young people interested in fun, safe activities rather than getting into trouble has been launched in the Breckland area.

Kickz, run by the charity Norwich City Football in the Community, has received a �15,000 grant in a bid

led by the Breckland Local Strategic Partnership and will offer football coaching and competitions as well as a range of other positive activities, which could include basketball, street dance, boxing as well as music and arts workshops.

Kickz is a national project using the power of football to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities by developing young people's potential.

Developmental and educational sessions are also run, dealing with issues such as healthy lifestyles and the dangers of getting involved in drugs and carrying weapons.

Kickz will work closely with Community Police officers and Breckland Council's Community Safety Team to encourage use of the scheme to provide opportunities and diversion to young people who come to their attention.

William Nunn, chairman of the Breckland Partnership, said: 'This project is about trying to improve the everyday experiences of residents living in the area and this project has been really successful in working with groups of young people in the 13-plus age range in other parts of Norfolk. We hope the project will give youngsters a renewed sense of purpose and reduce their involvement in activities which may land them in trouble elsewhere.'

Ian Thornton, FITC director, added: 'Without the investment, time, experience and the necessary financial support, FITC as a charity would not be able to continue to reach out to the Norfolk community and make positive differences to people's lives.'

Dereham police inspector Paul Wheatley said: 'The Kickz project is an excellent initiative to provide a wide-range of activities for youngsters

across the Dereham neighbourhood, especially for those individuals who could potentially veer down the route of anti-social behaviour. We are hoping that the programme will redirect young people's energy towards something positive within the community.'

Dereham Town Council is giving �17,280 over the three years through providing the facilities at below market rent.

Sessions will be held in Dereham on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

For more information visit www.fitc.org.uk or call 01603 761122.