Cash seized from criminals is to be used to train the next generation of Scotland's football stars, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

Around 30,000 aspiring footballers will benefit from a raft of new projects funded by money and goods seized from gangs involved in serious organised crime.

The £4m, three-year initiative is the first in the Scottish Government's Cashback For Communities scheme.

Ministers will give around £2.2m from their proceeds of crime fund to football bosses to make it possible, while £1.9m will come from the Scottish Football Association and other sponsors.

The move was unveiled yesterday by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Gordon Smith, chief executive of the SFA.

New ideas include a national network of five-a-side teams, weekly five-a-side evenings, and the creation of more than 1000 football teams at schools.

The SFA and the Scottish Government have agreed to build on existing football projects run by the Bank of Scotland.

Over the coming months, more projects funded from money seized from criminals will be announced.

Mr MacAskill said: "Criminals don't contribute to our communities - they live off them.

"That harms our economy but it also saps self-confidence and ambition - especially among young people. That's why it's time for crime to pay and for the cash they make off the backs of law-abiding folk to flow back into our communities.

"With our Cashback for Communities programme we are taking their ill-gotten gains off them and giving them back to communities to make a real difference to the lives of young people throughout Scotland - providing both opportunities on the ground and a truly symbolic message.

"Football, as our national game, can play a big part in diverting young people from getting involved in crime and antisocial behaviour."

Mr Smith said: "This is a fantastic scheme that shows what can be achieved when everyone in Scotland pulls together.

"We all want our young people to be healthier, more confident and full of ambition and aspirations. Getting them to play football does just that. I'm sure that everyone in Scotland will applaud this announcement.

"There is something incredibly satisfying to know that money is being taken from criminals and being invested in our young people and our communities.

"This, however, should only be the first step. We need more quality facilities to be built right across the country. We are doing all we can to make sure that more people than ever before are playing the game.

"We hope that further investment can follow this to make sure that wherever you play football, you do so in a great environment."

Peter Wilson, Chief Constable of Fife and chairman of Crime Business Area for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, added: "The message is simple: if the police and the courts can get our hands on the drug dealers and their profits, communities can reap the benefit."

Jim Sweeney, chief executive of Youthlink, said: "On behalf of the youth work sector we warmly welcome this initiative which will encourage positive opportunities for our young people within localities throughout the country."