A group of 16 football-mad youngsters met for the first time this week as part of the Kent FA's new Youth Council.

The venture, which is the first of its kind nationwide, gives youngsters a voice to make decisions on grassroots football and make recommendations for change in the county.

The group comprises council members aged between 11-21 who are from a variety of backgrounds, including coaching, administration and refereeing.

They met on Wednesday night at the Kent FA's headquarters in Cobdown where they agreed to work on two projects. The Youth Council will be working toward raising awareness of equipment available to young people, such as footballs and goalposts, together with addressing the large scale drop-out of under-16s, who find stepping up to adult football an intimidating environment.

The group's chairman, Ricky Adams, 21, said: "One of my priorities will be to make the football environment safer for young people and improve the game in all areas.

"As a qualified coach and referee and having played football in the county for several years, I hope I can help guide the other members of the Youth Council in a positive direction."

One of the youngest members, 13-year-old Nick Bremer, said: "I want to be as involved in football as my dad is a coach and manager. For me, this is a great chance to meet other young people in the county who care about football as much as I do."

Lee Suter, the Kent FA's football development officer, came up with the idea which looks set to be rolled out across the country.

He said: "They are aware they are not going to be able to make law changes but they can make recommendations and they are going to lead on the two projects they have identified."

The Youth Council are due to meet again in March.