Sound of silence on the streets thanks to 'phantom' footballs

Footy mad teenagers in Barrow have been given extra time to perfect their skills after being issued with state-of-the-art silent soccer balls.

More than 150 youngsters have been given the custom made, noise reducing balls as part of a Respect Street Soccer scheme, set up with the goal of tackling anti-social behaviour.

The phantom footies, made by local firm Urofoam, are the same size and weight as normal footballs but are specially designed to make zero sound. They are made from a high-tech foam, covered in a robust plastic coating to protect it from water damage and wear and tear.

Barrow Police Community Safety Officer Mike Brown, who helped organise the soccer school in conjunction with Barrow AFC, said: "All the youngsters involved were given these footballs to encourage them to keep playing football after the coaching school has finished.

"What we didn't want was these kids trying to put their new found skills into practice but annoying neighbours by making too much noise.

"So we decided to give them the zero noise balls so they could play on to their hearts content without making excess noise or causing any damage.

"The balls are specially designed so that when they are kicked, bounced or headed they make virtually no sound.

"They are made out of this high-tech foam, similar to the type used in stress balls, so they cannot cause any damage to cars or windows in residential areas."

The Street Soccer scheme, which was piloted as part of the government's Respect agenda, was set up by Barrow AFC in partnership with the police, and neighbourhood wardens.

It was a direct response to a Police initiative that identified anti-social behaviour as one of the main concerns among local residents in the area.

PC John Irving, who was also involved in the scheme, added: "The project was developed in response to the calls for service in relation to anti-social behaviour in and around Central Ward. We have worked very hard with partner agencies to develop diversionary activities for young people during the summer months under the RESPECT banner."

Graham Bromley, a local parent who got involved in the scheme, said the school and the silent footies will go a long way to making the community a better place.

He said: "The soccer school has been brilliant for the youngsters involved and really given them something to focus their attentions on.

"It was great to get involved because it really did open my eyes to how a lot of anti-social behaviour is caused through boredom.

"Hopefully these silent footballs will mean they can carry on playing and stay away from things that might get them into trouble.

"It's a great idea. Some of the children have been playing outside my house this week and you cannot hear a sound.

"It is very positive for everyone in the community."

The Street Soccer scheme has been run from Greengate Junior School, in the Central ward, and was open to youngsters between the ages of nine and 16 years old.

Thirteen of the children involved will be treated to a VIP day out at Barrow AFC, as a reward for attending every coaching session. They will each take a penalty at half time at Barrow's home game on 6 October.

Barrow Police will be actively encouraging the use of the footballs across the borough over the next few weeks and hope to expand the idea across the county in the future.

Don't miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts