YOUNG footballers from Bolton could get the chance to play in front of 55,000 European soccer fans, thanks to a police anti-drugs project.

Greater Manchester Police have linked up with the Manchester County Football Association to organise the JIGGO 96 tournament for youngsters aged eight to 16.

Successful teams who reach the final rounds will play their games at Old Trafford just before full international matches in the Euro 96 championship.

Teams of eight, plus an adult manager, can enter in the under eights, under 10s, under 12s, under 14s or under 16s categories. Local rounds will take place over two days in Bolton before the winners take on the rest of Greater Manchester in the finals. Chief Superintendent Paul Cook, of GMP community affairs, said: "We want to encourage young people to experience real highs through sport, which are far more rewarding than the artificial and short lived experiences provided by drugs."

Application forms are available from Peter Almond, Manchester County Football Association, Brantingham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 1TG. Closing date is May 20.

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