THE Old Firm is helping to tackle youth disorder by backing a new initiative.

Glasgow Airport is investing tens of thousands of pounds in youth football programmes which include workshops on booze, drugs and what's often referred to as the west of Scotland disease.

And officials from Rangers and Celtic helped celebrate the extra investment when school kids took part in a kick about on a runway at Scotland's biggest airport.

Youngsters from Clydebank High and Drumchapel High helped kick-off a new partnership between Glasgow Airport and the community departments of both football clubs.

Airport chiefs have pledged £50,000 from their FlightPath Fund to help extend existing football programmes for youngsters.

The money means an extra 280 kids will get more than 40 hours of workshops and coaching. The youngsters will be targeted in areas which are blighted with high incidents of youth disorder.

Managing director Amanda McMillan said: "The interest in these two clubs is so huge that it is sometimes easy to focus on the headlines they generate on the pitch and overlook the wonderful work they do in communities throughout Glasgow.

"Both clubs have a successful track record of delivering community programmes and while these create a fun environment for young people, there is also a strong focus on the outcomes.

"These include increased self-esteem, confidence, aspiration and community spirit among the participants and a reduction in youth disorder."

Rangers community coach Gary Gibson said: "The club remains wholeheartedly committed to initiatives like this which make a significant difference to the lives of a wide range of people."

And Brian Delaney, football development officer at Celtic, added: "We and our partners have a special opportunity to help young people in their formative years in order to assist with their development to become good citizens."

The funding will provide 45 sessions for children and teenagers between 12 and 18 in the evenings and weekends.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk