Teenager John Durkin epitomises the success of the Kickz project.

Since John, aged 16, joined Kickz two years ago he has turned his life around.

John, of Pimlott Road, Hall i' th' Wood, used to hang around street corners on the periphery of lads who caused trouble, but now he volunteers five nights a week for the Kickz scheme and the council-run youth centre.

He said: "I used to knock about on the street. I was loud, like a lot of lads are, but it changed when I started going to the youth club and Kickz.

"I didn't do sport at school, but I started playing basketball, football and hockey with a puck at Tonge Moor.

"I am lucky, really, as Chris Bateman is going to help me qualify as a Level One football coach and I am now studying for a B-Tech diploma at Bolton Community College.

"I volunteer five nights a week, helping with the younger ones and then later with the older ones in sports sessions.

"I have also started helping out at Bolton Lads and Girls Club."

Because of his dedication and hard work, John has been presented with the Eastwood award 2007 from Bolton Council's youth services and he now hopes to gain paid work with Football in the Community as a coach.

"Kickz and the volunteer work I do has given me a new direction," he said.