A MOVE to keep lads off the street and on the pitch has scored a six of the best rating, writes Tony Kelly.

The York Rovers under-14s football team was formed to provide a platform for youngsters to keep playing the game after their ranks at York Railway Institute folded last season.

Now the Rovers are celebrating a maximum start to the current British Sugar York Minor League campaign with six victories out of six - four in the league, and two in the cup.

Said founding member and club secretary Jackie Ryder: "It's taken off in a big way and all the hard work and effort has been worth it.

"They are smashing lads and we just hope it continues."

Mrs Ryder revealed that after the RI team was wound up several of the youngsters asked for a new outfit to be formed this summer.

Together with a group of die-hards - her husband Mark, Paul McManus, Phil Leaf, and Steve and Jackie Keenaghan - they set up the Rovers team appointing Wayne King as manager.

The lads, who are drawn from all across York, have responded well, backed too by sponsorship from the Caboodle all-purpose shop in Foxwood Lane, and Ashcroft and Pollard of White Cross Road.

Now their aim is to go at least seven-up after hitting on a winning formula.

Updated: 11:46 Saturday, October 27, 2001