BOLTON'S first American Football team for young people looks set to be formed.

The team is open to schoolchildren from secondary schools across Bolton, and will play in a national league.

It is hoped the team will play its home games at Bolton Lads & Girls Club when it takes up America's national sport in two years' time.

There will also be a marching band and a cheerleaders' group made up from youngsters from the town.

The team is the brainchild of American Football enthusiast Jim Blinkhorn, who was involved in the adult team Lancashire Wolverines which folded in May this year.

Mr Blinkhorn believes the sport can compete against traditional games such as football, cricket and rugby.

He has submitted a plan to East Bolton Regeneration, where he hopes to get funding for the project.

Now he is determined to establish the sport in Bolton and create a successful team in the town.

He said: "We think once kids get involved in the sport they will be hooked. This will be an exciting project once it gets off the ground.

"It's not just the American Football team itself, but the marching band and cheerleaders' group. We want the whole glitz which goes along with the sport.

"We have had some interest from cheerleaders' groups in the town. They will be able to compete in national competitions.

"We plan to write to schools across Bolton and hope to go into schools to show the kids what the sport is all about."

Gareth Williams, pathways officier with East Bolton Regeneration fund team, said: "There are teams in Wigan and Preston but not in Bolton. Jim approached us about starting up a team and we are currently working with him.

"Thic could be a massive project when it gets off the ground. American Football is not just competitive, but teaches kids life skills such as discipline."