PLAYING fields with football and rugby facilities have officially opened in the city - providing a positive outlet for local kids.

The opening was marked by a game of touch rugby between women's team, Worcester Valkyries, and Warriors' YMCA homeless side.

The inaugural match took place on Tuesday and utilised recently installed rugby posts, which also double up as football goals.

Cllr Richard Udall spent £1,300 from his divisional fund on the posts at the playing fields in Howard Road, Worcester.

He hopes the facilities will keep youngsters out of trouble, following 'significant' anti-social behaviour issues in the area earlier this year.

Cllr Udall said: “The posts will give opportunities to young people to get involved with positive activity and will divert them away from causing problems to others.

"St John’s and Dines Green had no free-to-use football or rugby pitches, nowhere for people to have a game.

"It was impossible for local kids to play a proper game, I was determined to change this.

"I have invested £1,300 to ensure local residents have the facilities they need to play football or rugby."

Cllr Udall added that he hopes Worcester Valkyries' players will use the playing fields to teach rugby to local children.

He said the sport provides discipline and enjoyment and encouraged youngsters to get involved.

The Warriors' homeless team, which played its first game in November 2013, beat the Worcester Valkyries eight points to six.

Dave Rogers, education manager for Worcester Warriors, said: "The project was designed to use sport as a way of tackling homelessness in Worcestershire.

"At the time the rates of youth homelessness in Worcestershire - particularly amongst young males - was above the national average.

"Rugby can play a huge role in boosting self-esteem and also enables participants to develop key life skills such as communication, leadership, discipline."

The side practices once a week and regularly plays touch rugby against other teams.

10 members of the squad were part of the England team which won the Homeless Rugby International Cup in May.