Football in the community initiative: The concept of midnight soccer originated in the US, although they utilised another universal sport, basketball, as an outlet for young people in impoverished areas like Harlem and south Boston. The idea is to provide an option, besides criminal activity, late at night.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Dublin City Council and the FAI have combined to bring midnight soccer to Dublin.

A pilot scheme is already under way in Ballymun and the organisers hope to entice up to 100 young people, at several different centres around the city, who would otherwise be patrolling the streets.

Such leagues are already widely available in other major European cities like Manchester, London and Madrid.

Football is not the only activity as drug education will be provided, while members of the Garda will be available to provide coaching.

"It is very similar to what basketball did in America," explained FAI chief executive John Delaney.

"I suppose the midnight soccer scheme is one that catches the eye, working between nine and 12 o'clock, with the programmes Dublin City Council can provide from a social point of view. We provide the football skills.

"So, we can bring kids off the street between the ages of 13, 14 all the way up to 18 at night time, also to teach them about drug awareness, obesity and other social aspects and then let them play a game of football after to get the coaching benefit in that regard.

"What we are announcing here today is a wonderful appropriate balance between the three different authorities. I think the Minister (Noel Ahern) needs to be commended for his input to this project."

The scheme, launched yesterday in Inchicore, also announced seven new community development officers, pathway opportunities for talented players from disadvantaged areas and a FAI/FAS 34-week soccer programme. The inner city futsal and homeless soccer programmes were also confirmed.

Delaney also spoke of the progress within the FAI emerging talent programme that is attempting to widen the constant assessment of players outside Dublin.

"The main point for us is to get the best for players in every area, to work with them on a regular basis, to work with them regionally and let them come and play for their country. Plus, they will have a place to go back to."