Teenage trouble-makers have kicked their bad behaviour by helping to form a new football club in Wantage.

Youth workers at the Sweatbox, the town's most popular youth club in Springfield Road, set up Sweatbox United in a bid to get them off the streets.

The club formed in May and three members of the Sweatbox's security team have trained to become qualified coaches. The club now has 18 players, aged between 13 and 16.

Manager Becki Pedder, 23, said: "They turn up to training twice a week so they are off the streets rather than hanging around with nothing to do. The majority haven't been in trouble since the club started. If they get in trouble, they know they will be on the bench for a week, so there's consequences. It's about giving them some responsibility."

Garry Kingett, area youth worker for Wantage, Grove and Faringdon, said: "Some of the players have been involved in antisocial activities. It was their idea to set up the team.

"It gives them a positive activity to engage in. It increases their self esteem and self confidence. There is a sense of ownership over it."

The team trains on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6.30-8.30pm at King Alfred's Community and Sports College's east site in Springfield Road. New players are welcome to turn up to the training sessions.