A GROUP of teenage boys are taking to the streets to make sure no one goes hungry in Inverclyde — as they sign up to support a series of good causes.

In a heartwarming gesture, the Gourock YACs under-15s have decided to give up their own time to help the foodbank and take part in a string of other community-minded events.

The boys are aware of the crisis many families are facing in the run up to Christmas and were moved to take action.

They have offered to give up their own time to take part in community collections for the charity — but their acts of kindness aren’t stopping there.

The team have also signed up for more local volunteering work and will join rangers for a beach clean at Lunderston Bay, as well as giving up their free time to hold coaching sessions for younger kids.

Their efforts have attracted massive praise and saw them hailed as winners on and off the field.

Captain Jason, 14, from Inverkip, said: “I think it is good to show that young people want to help and that we care about where we are from.

“We have all played together for a long time and decided it would be a good idea to get involved in the community.

“I love coaching the younger kids. Some of us volunteer on a Sunday with Ardgowan and with Gourock YAC.

“I think supporting the foodbank is also a good idea.

“It is something that we know a lot about from school.”

Liz Baird, who helps organise the YAC side, said: “It is about helping the boys to understand that a team is more than just playing football, it is about being part of the community.

“It is good to show that young people want to be out there helping. 

“We have other things in the pipeline for after Christmas as well, so watch this space.”

Inverclyde Foodbank manager Ian Esson was overwhelmed by the boys’ support.

He said: “It is heartening to see young people of this age volunteering their time to help those in crisis in their community.

“The Foodbank is run by local people for local people. It relies on community support across all age groups, and we very much welcome this association with the Gourock YAC team”.

Gourock YAC organiser Robert Ahlfeld heaped praise on the boys.

He added: “It is a collaboration that we hope to continue into next season and beyond. It will help to build the community ethos of YAC, and provides the younger children with an insight to how they could get involved with volunteering when they are older”.

Local companies have also been bowled over by the boys’ efforts and have been keen to get involved with the side.

Carpetworld has sponsored their home strips and Adept Home Improvements Ltd their new rain jackets

Adept Home owner James Black said: “I was happy to provide the financial support to the team for their rain jackets, but when I found out they were taking such an active role in community work it made me even more pleased to be able to help them out”.