GARETH SOUTHGATE was presented with a commemorative plaque to celebrate the ten years Boro have been helping unemployed youngsters through the Prince's Trust Football Initiative.

The scheme, a partnership between the Trust, the Premier League, Professional Footballers Assoiction and the Football Foundation, uses football to help disadvantaged young people back into work or training.

Representatives from the Prince's Trust Redcar team, chief fire officer John Doyle and team leader Gaynor Nicholson from Cleveland Fire Brigade presented the Boro boss with the plaque.

The Football Initiative promotes the importance of teamwork, dedication and leadership required to succeed in football.

Over the past two months, Middlesbrough Football Club in the Community have provided healthy eating and fitness sessions, work placements, behind the scenes tours, signed merchandise and education sessions to attract local young people to take part in the programme.

The 12-week personal development programme, Team, is delivered by Cleveland Fire Brigade.

The young people worked hard to raise more than £600 to complete their community project, completely renovating a community safety trailer which will now be taken out to local communities and be used to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Team participant Vicki Lee says: "I have really enjoyed my time on the course, meeting new people and having a laugh at the same time as doing so many valuable things."

Beth Quinn added: "It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it all over again if I was given the chance."

Prince's Trust sports development manager Sharron Hawkins is appreciative of the role played by the club in helping young people develop.

"We are grateful to the club for creating a wealth of opportunities that over the years have helped to inspire many young people and encouraged them to gain the skills they need to turn their lives around," she said.

Rob Lake, Middlesbrough FC in the Community manager, was delighted that the club's commitment to supporting young people was recognised at the match.

"It's important to reach out to young people who are unsure of what to do with their lives or how to achieve their personal goals.

"We are proud to support the Football Initiative and are delighted with the positive impact this has created in the local community," he said.

For further information about the Prince's Trust Football Initiative, call 0800 842 842 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk