Saints help unemployed youngsters kick start their careers.

Fifteen unemployed youngsters have just finished a course with The Prince's Trust and Southampton FC, giving them the motivation to find a job. The news comes as youth unemployment in Southampton hits a 13 year high, increasing 55% in the last year alone.

The week-long 'Get Started with Football' course aims to improve the confidence, skills and motivation of unemployed 16-25-year-olds. The programme gave young people the chance to complete FA qualifications in football coaching and First Aid as well as taking part in sessions on healthy lifestyles and diversity.

The programme recruited young men and women from the local area who were not in full-time education, training or work to study under the club's professional staff. The course culminated in the group putting on a football festival for 30 children from Year 5 and 6 from the nearby St Mary's primary school.

Course participant, Sam Rosbotham, 19, from Bittern Manor said: "I was really nervous about the session at the school but we all worked together and were able to support each other. Before this course I didn't know what I wanted to do but now I am going to go on and do another coaching qualification to hopefully help me get a job."

Following the programme, The Prince's Trust is providing support for three months to help the young people get into employment, education, volunteering or training using the skills they learnt on the course.

HRH The Prince of Wales launched the Football Initiative at Old Trafford in August 1997. In 12 years more than 12,000 young people have benefited from the support of over 60 football clubs through a long-term partnership with the Premier League, PFA and Football Foundation. Supporting clubs provide behind the scenes tours, motivational talks, work placements, signed merchandise and player appearances.

Youth charity The Prince's Trust helps change young lives. It gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. It works with 14- to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.