Doncaster Rovers Manager Sean O'Driscoll took his squad for an unusual training session, before their Coca Cola Championship game at Preston when they took part in a friendly game against young offenders from her Majesty Prison Doncaster (Marshgate) on Monday 8th March.

The game had been organised as part of a long running programme set up by the Princes Trust and funded by the PFA and Football Foundation, that has seen the young offenders gain qualifications and experiences aimed at reducing the chances of re-offending upon release.

Community Manager Liam Scully said: "Hopefully when people look into the positive outcomes of this (both on a statistical and personal level), they will understand the huge impact a project like this can have. Ultimately this and similar initiatives cost a tenth of what it would cost to house an inmate that would be more likely to re-offend if not supported in such a way"

"For the qualification as a whole, the lads have dedicated themselves to a programme that taught key skills including organisation, communication and health and safety aspects of running sporting activities. The programme is designed specifically to educate the young men on how to give back to their local community upon their imminent release. All the participants on this course passed a final practical exam as well as building a portfolio of evidence and displayed competence throughout. This certainly wasn't a qualification that was handed out for doing very little. The lads had to work extremely hard to gain a pass, which they all did."

Denis Lehman, of the Professional Footballer's Association said: "The PFA were delighted to support the prison visit by the Doncaster Rovers F.C. players yesterday. The initiative, which capped off a programme of work between the 'Rovers' Community department and the Princes Trust has inspired youngsters to build a better life for themselves through leadership skills, self-confidence, and the motivation to succeed in the future. The game was played with great enthusiasm by everyone, and the first team manager, Sean O'driscoll, along with all the first team players and Community department, should be proud of their commitment and support."

Peter Branson, Regional Director for The Prince's Trust in Yorkshire and The Humber said: "The course challenged participants to work together and get to grips with the issues that were holding them back. They come out of the course with better communication skills, team-working skills and discipline - all qualities which will help them get a job when they leave prison and turn their lives around."

The event itself will be screened on the 15th March on the BBC show The Late Kick Off. The game finished with a victory to the Rovers with Billy Sharp, Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Waide Fairhurst grabbing the goals.

A Lee Butler 'assist' and a wonder strike from the edge of the area ensured HMP Doncaster didn't leave with nothing. The game itself finished 6-2 in Rovers favour.