Charlie Blanco grew up on the St Hughes Estate in Anerley.

The 14-year-old had a tendency to get into trouble for anti-social behaviour and was reluctant to get involved in worthwhile activities in his spare time.

One of these was to join the Positive Futures programme, Palace's FITC social inclusion scheme.

He was often asked onto the programme by our Bromley area community coach, Clayton Renwrick, but declined the invite.

Then, three months ago he decided to change his ways, to do something positive and to start attending the scheme.

"Charlie didn't play football very much and started coming here to have a kick-around," recalled Clayton.

"He started learning his trade from others around and him, and soon he had started scoring goals, having fun and making everybody else, as well as himself, happy."

Just before Christmas, Charlie was chosen to play in his first tournament, held at the National Sports Centre in Crystal Palace, which saw him face youngsters from other projects in south London.

"He did very well, and made a name for himself," said Clayton. "Since he has been here I've seen changes in the boy and we give him someone positive to look up to.

"He played in midfield and looked like a real midfielder, but that is not the point.

"I want to give everyone a chance, whatever their ability. It's about giving youngsters something to look forward to and, as far as Clayton is concerned, I don't think he has had that at all in his life."

Providing young people with this outlet is what Positive Futures is all about. The Kingswood Pupil Referral Unit in Hayes Lane, Bromley, is another success story.

"Again, some lads wouldn't engage in the sessions," said Clayton. "But that soon changed for the better. Now everyone trains well, plays football and has fun."

The programme gives youngsters an incentive to play the game. For Kingswood students, this is to don the famous Crystal Palace kit and represent the club at the next tournament.

Clayton added: "As a result, crime has gone down. Members of the police and public often comment on how valuable this programme is, and how it gives our youths something to do when they're bored, particularly during holiday periods and evenings.

"All participants who have been with the project in 2007 have told me that they have had a great year with Positive Futures."

For more information on how to get involved with Positive Futures, contact Clayton on 020 8768 6006 or clayton.renwrick@cpfc.co.uk