Exciting Climax to Midnight League Season

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 22nd May 2008

Mike at Tynecastle for the Midnight League Final

Mike Pringle MSP attended the exciting climax to this seasons over-14s Bank of Scotland Midnight League at Tynecastle yesterday. A feast of football wowed an enthusiastic crowd as both semis and the final went down to the wire, Dunfermline's Woodmill Rovers eventually emerging victorious.

The Midnight League programme is part of a national drive by the Scottish Football Association, local authorities and the police to reduce youth crime by providing evening football facilities for young people. The league has been a great success across Scotland in reducing anti-social behaviour among 12 to 16 year olds.

Mike Pringle said

"The midnight league is an excellent initiative that deserves the plaudits it's receiving across Scotland. It's further proof if any was needed that the way to reduce youth crime isn't to demonise young people, but provide better facilities so that they can develop in a safe environment.

"Congratulations to everyone who took part today, and especially to

Woodmill Rovers. Who knows we may very well have seen the stars of the future on show. It would be no surprise at all to me if I see them back here at Tynecastle soon, only they won't be playing in the midnight league, they'll be playing in the Scottish Premier League!"