A GOVAN charity got sporty to raise cash to help its community.

The Active Life Club (ALC), which uses sport to engage with young people in the area, raised more than £2000 by organising an indoor cricket competition.

Twenty-five volunteers helped to manage the contest, which brought together more than 200 members of the community, including local businesses, parents and children.

ALC chairman Raza Sadiq said the sports day "was a big success".

He added: "It went well and there was some very competitive sport being played by young people.

"The standard of cricket was really high."

A dozen teams of eager cricketers signed up to take part, including outfits from local firm Malik & Co Accountancy, staff from Asian radio station Awaz FM and four under 14 teams.

The funds will be used to support the Active Life Club, and help them to provide more mentoring and sports services for young people.

Part of the cash will also be donated to Interpal, a charity which helps to educate young people in Palestine.

"We have done fund-raising in the past for Children In Need and for flood victims in Pakistan, and we built two schools there to link in with the work we do in here with young people," said Raza.

"This time we wanted to raise some money for ourselves as we are a charity now, having been given that status.

"We wanted to encourage the under 14s to play an active role in fundraising too and many of the young people raised more money than the adults.

"This was a great effort by the volunteers and a fantastic learning exp-erience for young people, helping them to become active citizens.

Councillor Soriya Siddique and Bailie Hanif Raja presented participants with trophies and awards.

The under 14 team the Active Life Club Warriors scooped the top spot in the contest, with the Active life Club Tigers bagging second place.

An average of 70 youngsters attend the club every week, to try out a host of sports including football, badminton and cricket, which organiser Raza hopes will boost their confidence.

Twelve volunteers work behind the scenes to keep the club running smoothly, and organise leadership training courses for children aged between 12 and 18.

The training helps to give kids transferable skills which could help them to find work or to continue with their education.

hannah.rodger@ eveningtimes.co.uk