NEWPORT Rugby Club's innovative work with the community has gone into extra time.

Two projects have already won widespread applause, and now an exciting new scheme is due to be kicked off next month.

After working with thousands of schoolchildren, the club is now hoping to make a big difference to disaffected post-16 youngsters.

The Extra Time Project aims to develop personal and vocational interests through the vehicle of sport.

Community manager Mike Sage said they wanted to use their leading position to influence as many youngsters as possible.

A four-week programme will offer them the chance to enhance confidence, motivation, self-esteem and potential.

"We want to work with them to hopefully make them better citizens within our community," said Mr Sage.

Those taking part will be assessed throughout the course in order to gain three main qualifications. It is hoped they will then move forward into further education or employment.

A former skittle alley is being converted into a top- notch training facility. Participants will also be involved in skills sessions, workshops and visits outside the club.

"It is mainly aimed at disaffected youngsters who do not know what they want to do," explained Mr Sage.

Extra Time will follow the highly successful Gateway project, which has worked with thousands of schoolchildren, and The Second Half, where primary pupils visit the club for a day-long workshop and a memorable "virtual reality" experience.

The Newport European Partnership helped secure part of the funding for the new project, and this week AM Mike German, chairman of the committee monitoring Euro-spending in Wales, visited the club, where he met those working to develop the scheme and joined a skills session with youngsters.

l Grants from the European Union can be accessed for projects which directly address social and economic inequalities.

The Newport European Partnership oversees the distribution of these funds.

Help and advice is available. Contact 01633 232281 or e-mail european@newport.gov.uk