AN AMBITIOUS volunteer hopes his plans for two new football teams in Chester will help to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Youth worker Christopher Gentile, of Circular Drive, Lache, has received £300 from the O2 Think Big scheme to develop a project which will have a positive effect on the community.
Christopher, 18, who volunteers at the Lache Youth Centre, said he had recognised residents find young people intimidating with the perception they “hang around with nothing to do”.
As a result, he is about to start up the football teams, hoping they will provide a place for young people to spend some of their free time while making friends and developing an interest in sports.
“Young people in Lache don’t normally head out of Lache,” he said. “Most of the residents say that the young people are intimidating, getting into things like vandalism etc.
“I just thought this would be a brilliant idea and hopefully it will reduce anti-social behaviour.”
Chris, who works for Chester and District Housing Trust, said the club will be open to both boys and girls aged 13 to 19.
He said: “There are loads of people who appear interested. I estimate about 40 people will join.”
Community safety wardens have also become involved in the scheme to ensure it is a success.
Think Big is a £5m scheme aimed at backing young people’s ideas of making a positive difference in their communities.
For more information go to www. o2thinkbig.co.uk.