A FOOTBALL charity set up to change young people's lives off the pitch is looking to recruit more girls in Inverclyde.

Street League exists to give 16 to 29-year-olds the chance to use their skills both on and off the ball to get into the workplace.

New coach Kristy McGunnigle, who plays for Renfrew Ladies and is a local ambassador for the game, hopes to inspire girls to lace up their boots and join the employability scheme.

With the support of a first class backroom staff, the project has helped many youths, like 19-year-old Colin McIvor, get a place in college.

New coach Kristy, who has finished uni and received a top award from the SFA for her volunteering work, said: "We definitely want to encourage more girls to get involved in the programme.

"It is a great programme with brilliant opportunities.

"We give people the chance to use their skills to improve their health and fitness.

"They also get great support with employability."

She has joined a dedicated line up with Street League coach Glen Thomson to help develop recruits over a ten week course.

More girls than ever before are playing football in Inverclyde and Kristy hopes they can take use their love of the game to help them find employment and lead fulfilling careers.

Kristy added: "I always wanted to coach and do something more with my football.

"It is brilliant to have such a dream job after finishing university."

At a recent friendly match former Street League members like Colin took on the current batch of recruits in a game at Lady Octavia.

Colin, from Belville Street and a former pupil a residential school, is now studying for an HND in sport coaching.

He said: "This is all I have ever wanted to do - play football.

"Street League is brilliant and I would always encourage people to give it a try."

Street League offers a programme helping with education, training and employment opportunities, as well as free sport and fitness sessions.

There are employability workshops, work experience placements, interview practice and access to job clubs.

It runs every Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am in Lady Octavia and there is a training allowance plus travel expenses.

To find out more contact Kristy on 07841448860 or Andrew Brisco on 07887530522.