Police are hoping girl power will help a flagship teenage football scheme score more success this winter.

The Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and the One In A Million charity are looking for more recruits to increase numbers in the girls’ five-a-side football league, as part of an ongoing programme in north Bradford.

The scheme is the brainchild of community officer Ian Townson, who was recently named PCSO of the year for his dedication in setting up the project, which aims to show the red card to anti-social behaviour.

The sessions run every Friday at the Goals Soccer Centre in Bradford and a number of leagues have been established for teams aged 11 to 19.

It is hoped to recruit more boys and girls in the 15-19 age bracket to expand the growing competitions.

The project has secured funding and sessions are arranged until Christmas.

It is hoped it will continue into the New Year, with support from One In A Million, Bradford City FC and Bradford Council.

Youngsters taking part have benefited from professional football coaching and have the chance to compete for prizes.

PCSO Townson, who covers the Swain House area and Hanson School, said he came up with the idea for the project after hearing about a similar scheme in Sheffield, while looking to set up an activity for youngsters to divert them away from anti-social behaviour on an evening.

He said: “From speaking to the teenagers on my beat I knew it was something they were interested in.

“When the facility at Hanson became available it seemed like a good idea to set this up.”

PCSO Townson said he had been very surprised to have his work recognised at a recent Airedale and North Bradford Police awards evening.

He said: “It was very unexpected and I was delighted to be given the award.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the NPT for nominating me and also everyone at Goals and One In A Million who have all worked equally hard to set up the project.

“It’s a great scheme and hopefully it will continue for some time to come.”

Chief Inspector Steve Thomas, of Airedale and North Bradford Police, said: “We are delighted for Ian. His success in becoming PCSO of the Year is well deserved.

“He is well liked in his area and has put a lot of hard work, as well as his own time, into making a difference in Eccleshill. We know this work is recognised and respected by residents.

“There has also been a marked decrease in anti-social behaviour following Ian’s good work which really shows the impact he is having.”