A YOUTH group based on a Darlington housing estate is looking to kick crime and anti-social behaviour to the curb – as it launches a new karate programme.

Skerne Park Youth and Community Centre is set to launch ‘High Kick’, a karate programme aimed at reducing crime and improving community cohesion in Skerne Park estate.

The estate is an area that suffers from high levels of crime – and thus the programme is looking to engage young people in an activity that can provide a positive diversion from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Karate is seen as ideal as it is a specialty that teaches respect and discipline, while also being a fun activity that young people actively want to engage with and master.

The programme has been launched thanks to a joint funding scheme between County Durham Community Foundation and the Sport for Development Charity, Sported, who have awarded £2,000 to the community centre to get the initiative running.

Philip Seymour, development officer at the centre, said: “It’s a real boost to the club to be awarded the grant from the County Durham Community Foundation and Sported.

“We know that sport is a great way to get young people engaged and interested with what we do, so the introduction of High Kick will really help us to expand our reach in the Skerne Park area.”

The High Kick scheme is the latest in a number of projects awarded funding by Sported and the County Durham Community Foundation in their efforts to help communities grow by using sport to create opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

The two organisations have awarded over £17,800 to local community groups since they launched their joint small grants scheme in 2013, which offers grants of £500 to £4,000 to not-for-profit organisations and clubs based in County Durham and Darlington.

The programme will run at the centre from 7-8pm every Friday starting 27 February, and is open to young people aged between 11 and 19.