Youth football: Make new friends with floodlit fun

From the end of the month, kids aged 12-17 are invited to simply turn up and play - no booking or fee is required - at any of three Midlothian venues, and former Hibs striker Keith Wright, the Scottish FA Football Development Officer in Midlothian, says the initiative provides kids of all abilities with the chance to exercise and socialise.

"Rather than causing any bother on the street, kids can play football in a safe environment," said Wright. "We've been delighted with the programme. We've had good numbers, and Midlothian Council have backed it to the hilt.

"We've been getting 50 kids per night at Penicuik, 40 at Bonnyrigg, and 25 at Dalkeith. It's a chance to make new friends where normally they wouldn't be able to speak to guys from different areas. There have been players from Midnight Leagues who have not been playing with boys' clubs and gone into the local development squad then regional squads.

Wright says that, aside from the educational benefits, there are also plenty on-the-field incentives for players.

"We pick teams from all the venues to play at the Midnight League finals and, in the last two years, Penicuik and Dalkeith teams have had the opportunity to play at Tynecastle, which is a great incentive. It's not always the best players, but those who come along every week, who show good sportsmanship and good habits, and who can win and lose well."

Coaching and pitch hire for the Midnight League programme is funded by Bank of Scotland and The Scottish Government's CashBack for Communities programme, which uses the proceeds of crime to create opportunities for young people. On Friday nights from January 28, Midnight Leagues will run at Penicuik Park Astro (7.30pm-9pm) and Dalkeith Campus Astro (7.30-8.30pm).

On Saturdays from January 29, a league will take place at Poltonhall Astro, Bonnyrigg (7.30-8.30pm).