A FUN day of football and street dance with a special guest kicked off a series of events which will help young people stay out of trouble.

Dozens of children and teenagers gathered at Foundation Park to play a football tournament on the pitch, try their hand at street dance, graffiti and DJ workshops, and face off in a penalty shootout against BRIT Award-nominated rapper S1mba.

Laughter and cheers filled the air as the youngsters competed under blazing sunshine on a surprisingly warm October day.

Creative teens came up with the idea for the event which youth forum volunteers and Swindon Borough Council workers then helped turn into a reality in the space of just a few weeks.

SBC’s youth justice service manager Michael O’Connor said: “We want to make a difference and start changing what’s happening in Swindon with youth violence and the disproportionate amount of BAME young people getting in trouble with police.

“Participation is the best way to stop children offending. If they feel valued and proud of themselves, if they have hope and the opportunity to join events which teach them skills and help bring about change, they are far less likely to get into trouble.

“This is an aspirational thing, we want them to feel like they can achieve something. We will be pushing more of these sorts of events in the future.

“We’re so glad S1mba agreed to get involved in this because he’s a great role model.”

Before the event began, the Rover singer spoke to the crowd of kids: “You guys are the future, keep doing what you’re doing.

“We’re trying to do good things and make Swindon a safer place so it’s great that you guys care so much about this, please keep playing your part, spread the word.”

A new Swindon Youth Council is being set up to listen to what teenagers want to see around the town and find a way to put those plans into action.

It aims to bring together a diverse group of 13-to-18-year-olds from different Swindon schools and groups who will meet up to influence positive changes in Swindon.

Evie Burke-Moore, 17, is part of it and helped organise this first event, which raised money for an Alzheimer’s charity and to give ice creams to children of Afghanistan refugees who have come to Swindon.

She said: “I’m really pleased this council is happening, it’s nice to feel like we have some authority and I’m sure a lot of young people would like to get involved.”

Contact Chloe Wolfe on 07929 741819 or cwolfe@swindon.gov.uk for more details.