Published: Tuesday, 19th January, 2010 7:46am

Midnight league football kicks off in Galashiels

FOLLOWING its huge success in Galashiels last year the Midnight League Football events are back.

The Queens Centre will host the opening night's tournaments on Saturday night with prizes such as footballs, team shirts and posters up for grabs.

The events are free of charge and secondary school aged boys and girls can come along and participate with Scottish Football Association Coaches supervising.

Scottish Borders Council's Senior Sports Development Officer Dougie Anderson is keen for as many youngsters as possible to take part. He told the Border Telegraph: "Midnight League football is about having fun and is an alternative healthy activity for youngsters to hanging around the streets at night. There is no coaching involved and it is really informal, which makes the sessions as enjoyable and inclusive as possible."

The Galashiels games will take place each Saturday night until April 3 - between 7pm and 8pm for S1 and S2 pupils, and between 8pm and 10pm for S3 to S6 pupils.

Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Education Councillor Graham Garvie added: "Last year was a big success with over 80 kids taking part in Galashiels alone - so we are really pleased to be able to give more youngsters the opportunity to take part in similar events in neighbouring towns."

Midnight football will also be held in Hawick and Eyemouth this year.

Application forms will be available in the High Schools or can be downloaded at www.sportborders.org.uk