A dad keen to provide youngsters with an alternative to hanging out on the streets has set up his own American Football club.

Jason Wilson, 29, took up the sport in his teenage years but the closest club to his hometown of Deal are the East Kent Mavericks in Canterbury, along with Maidstone Pumas and the Kent Exiles in Chislehurst.

During a chuck about with his friend Scott Hayes-Waykins, 25, they came up with the idea of starting a club and in September they founded Deal Town Smugglers.

Working with American Football Development Limited, who are keen to develop the game in the UK, they applied for a grant to help with set up costs.

The club, which meets every Sunday at North Deal Recreational Ground, has since been awarded £10,000 enabling it to be free to children under 18.

Mr Wilson, of Northwall Mews, said: “We want more youth - girls and boys - to discover the sport, to help get them off the streets, stop them from getting into trouble.

“I was one of them back in the day. We also want to give them somewhere to go, where they can talk to people.”

The pharmaceutical dispenser at Paydens in Walmer who used to attend Castle Community College has purchased all the necessary training equipment such as shoulder pads and helmets.

It means children simply need to turn up in football boots if they have them, if not trainers.

They will be trained by two qualified coaches and also receive guidance from the adult team which has already been set up.

Mr Wilson said: “We’ve got a men’s team of 22 and we’ve started getting more youth down.

“They don’t need to know the sport. 90% of our current team have never played American Football before.”

Mr Wilson, who previously played for the East Kent Mavericks before he became a dad of two, added: “For the first two years we’ll work within the club but once we’re fully established we’d like to compete in the Kent leagues and nationally if possible.

“I love the game because it’s competitive but also because it brings so many differently people together.

“There’s a role for everyone whatever your shape and stature. I’m 6ft 5in but there’s also people who are much smaller.

“It’s also suitable for all fitness levels. You never really play for more than 30 seconds at a time and we work together to improve our fitness.”

The club has insurance and a committee. Training is at the grounds, situated behind New Century Nursery in Golf Road, is on Sundays from 1pm until 4pm.

It’s free for children up to the age of 18 and £15 a month for adults.

Find Deal Town Smugglers American Football on Facebook to find out more.