Man United help troubled Middleton teens

Date published: 24/07/2008

Manchester United's youth coaches have been in Middleton this week to help a group of youngsters turn their lives around by taking part in a Sports development course.

The Prince's Trust joined up with United to give 14 youngsters the opportunity to take part and try to improve their behaviour so that they are not excluded from school.

The scheme is part of a continued drive to improve prospects for Rochdale's youngsters who are struggling in school and have become disengaged.

The 'Get Started with Football' programme ran as part of Rochdale Youth Service's Positive Activities for Young People scheme, which targets youngsters living in Middleton.

The 14-15 year-old youths developed key skills such as leadership, discipline, taking responsibility and commitment on the course and it is hoped that they will use these newfound skills off the football pitch.