Football drive for young people

Former England and Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate is encouraging more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to play football.

The former player was in Birmingham this afternoon as part of his new role as a charity ambassador and said he believes sport can help 'inspire and change lives'. Vanessa Clements reports.

Former England defender and Aston Villa captain Gareth Southgate was in Birmingham today to launch his ambassador role for the StreetGames Football Pools Fives, a new programme aimed at taking football to young people in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

The programme, which provides opportunities for underprivileged young people to play 5-a-side football and take up coaching and volunteering roles, hosted its second regional final at the Futsal Arena in the city.

Former England and Aston Villa defender Gareth Southgate is encouraging more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to play football.

He says the sport is a great way to get young people talking and put a smile on their faces.