Rover Oxford HC are pioneering a new scheme aimed at offering sporting opportunities to young people who may find it difficult to join a club.

Rover are taking part in the innovative project which sees youngsters referred to the scheme from a number of agencies and then passed on to a participating club, who in turn appoint an "advocate" to support the young person.

It's a partnership project involving Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, the Youth Offending Team, the Drug Action Team, Oxfordshire Association for Young People, Oxfordshire Youth Mentoring Scheme, Oxfordshire Health Promotion and sports clubs.

Finance comes from a number of sources but, most notably, some of the money comes from confiscated assets from convicted drugs dealers.

Steve Vermeulen, Rover Oxford's development officer, said: "We are proud to be part of this innovative scheme, which will make a difference to young people who take part.

"A number of our players and coaches have volunteered to become "advocates" and, following the appropriate checks and training, will link up with youngsters."