THOUSANDS of youngsters across Kent now have the chanceto benefit from football during their everyday lives thanks to the Charlton community scheme.

Alongside a series of partners, the Addicks' new countywide social inclusion programme - the biggest single community scheme project in the country - will use football to divert children from anti-social activities, promote healthy living and encourage communities to flourish.

And several members of Charlton's first-team squad, including new £3.7m signing Souleymane Diawara and £2m Champions League winner Djimi Traore, will help to get the project up and running on September 29.

Community scheme Kent social inclusion manager Alan Dennington said: "The objectives of the project are to reduce levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, address social exclusion and drug misuse and support regeneration programmes in particular areas of need.

"We can do this by offering a wide range of football opportunities for the community by using the power of football to get important messages across to youngsters for example."

The social inclusion project sees the Charlton community scheme join forces with Kent County Council and the 12 district councils, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, Network Rail, Kent County Football Association and numerous partners.

And Addicks stars Myles Weston and Kelly Youga (Swanley Recreation Ground - 2pm), Gonzalo Sorondo and Omar Pouso (Thamesview School, Thong Lane, Gravesend - 2.30pm) and Traore and Diawara (Oldborough Manor Community School, Boughton Lane, Maidstone - 2.30pm) will be officially getting things underway.

Kent Police chief constable Michael Fuller will also be at the Maidstone event, while MP Hugh Robertson will accompany FA technical director and former England player Sir Trevor Brooking to The Abbey School (Watling Street, Faversham) at 3.30pm.

Brooking said: "Football has a proven ability to engage with hard to reach groups, particularly people from deprived areas.

"It plays an important role in addressing the symptoms of economic and social deprivation, social alienation and social exclusion.

"The Kent Partnership Agreement highlights a new and innovative way of working and emphasises a joined-up approach."