A TOP policeman has praised a community scheme which has used the beautiful game to get disenchanted young people onside.

North Kent police joined forces with Charlton Athletic to develop the football-led Positive Futures Scheme.

Area commander Superintendent Martin Hewitt hailed the "fantastic" initiative for building bridges between the police and young people.

The scheme has been backed by a host of organisations, including Kent County Council, Network Rail and Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust.

The scheme's main focus is to get children off the streets by involving them in coaching sessions and an Estates League, where teams from housing estates compete against each other.

But this has been a league with a difference, with points awarded for good behaviour as well as wins.

Supt Hewitt says the scheme has really hit the target.

He said: "When young people are coming through the cells, it is too late. We have to reach them earlier.

"This scheme has been a really great vehicle for us to meet some of the most challenging children in the area and build relationships with them.

Paying tribute to Charlton, he added: "When you have a Premiership football club involved it gives it a bit of street cred, whereas often youngsters can be quite resistant to organised activities."

Urban Beat Officer, PC Philippa Horwood, who patrols Denton and Milton, says the scheme has helped "break down the barriers between the police and young people".

She added: "The reaction has been very positive. We have seen kids from different estates shaking hands after games, which would have once been unthinkable."

Children involved in the league joined a host of dignitaries at a reception at The Valley.

Captain of the victorious Kings Farm team, Daniel Berry, 18, said: "It has been a good laugh. I definitely speak differently with police officers. Now I am more open with them."