A street sport programme hailed as a “great success” for cutting antisocial behaviour has returned to Dyce.
Police noted a significant drop in youth antisocial behaviour when the Denis Law Legacy Trust’s StreetSport was running during the summer.
Now it has returned, and youngsters from across Dyce are being urged to get involved, and have somewhere to go in the long dark evenings.
It takes place at the 3G pitches from 7pm to 8.30pm on Fridays.
Hannah Clews, development officer for StreetSport, said: “We have a really busy session in Northfield on Friday’s so we usually keep that day pretty protected.
“But there wasn’t much else for young people in Dyce to do and we knew we had to set something up for them.”
The project is run in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, Sport Aberdeen and police.
Sergeant Jim Raeburn described the partnership as a “great success.”
He said: “The initiative has already realised a reduction in antisocial behaviour and the number of complaints and concerns being reported to Police Scotland in Dyce.”
It gives officers “the chance to meet with young people and build strong relationships within the local community,” he added.
Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen director of healthy and active communities, recognised the success after the pilot session and is “delighted” to see it taking up a permanent position.
He added: “This is a brilliant local initiative that we are thrilled to be a part of.
“Street sport, run by enthusiastic volunteers, is hugely important in giving young people new targets to strive for in improving their health and well-being.”
Dyce councillor Neil MacGregor welcomed the sessions being brought back and was pleased that it gave young people something to do, reducing their boredom.
He said: “We are really pleased that they are able to assist in keeping Dyce and Stoneywood a pleasant place for residents.”
The programme is looking for volunteers to help run the sessions.