INMATES at Styal Prison are taking to the football pitch in a bid to turn their backs on a life of crime.

Female prisoners have been trained by players from the England women's team as part of an initiative designed to teach leadership and workplace skills.

The fortnight long scheme, called `Get off the Bench', is being run by the Prince's Trust charity for young people and the Alexandra Soccer and Community Association alongside staff at the Cheshire prison.

It is the first women's prison in the country to take part.

The 15 inmates - aged 16 to 25 - will gain a level one coaching certificate, which qualifies them to teach children when they are released.

Prison governor Steve Hall said: "By exploring innovative ways to reintroduce offenders into society, such as using football as a means to motivate, we hope to reduce re-offending."

England footballers Sue Smith and Rachel Brown joined forces for a day with coaches from Crewe Alexander who have been working on the programme which includes sessions on drug awareness, child protection and first aid.

It is the third time the prison has offered the course which is partly paid for by the FA-backed Football Institute.

Rachel said: "It gives the girls a focus and a taster of what they can be."

Inmate Becki, 21, said she hoped to use the qualification to get a job as a gym instructor when she is released.

She said: "It's productive. It makes the time go quicker and keeps you occupied."

Tanya Dewar, 19, who was also taking part, said: "It's built up my confidence. Sport is a good way to keep young people out of trouble."

Tara Magee from the Prince's Trust said the coaching programmes were `about getting lives working again'.

She added: "Something that's happened in the past should not stop these women contributing to society in the future."

In 2007 the national charity supported around 3,500 offenders and ex-offenders, helping more than two thirds into work, self- employment, further education or training. Tweet