AN EXCLUSIVE edition of The Big Issue was given out by youngsters at Saints last game of the season against Huddersfield.

Twelve teenagers aged between 13 and 15 handed out the special edition of the magazine at the match after they were given the opportunity to experience working in the editorial industry.

The teens were offered the opportunity after The Big Issue teamed up with the Saints Foundation and GO! Southampton.

Each of the teenagers were selected by Saints Foundation’s Community Champion programme, which runs full-time in six of Southampton’s secondary schools, helping pupils who struggle in mainstream education get on a path for success.

READ MORE:

The chosen 12 were tasked with writing about what you can get up to in the city, and even spent a day giving Saints manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, a tour.

Greg Baker, head of Saints Foundation said: "It was great to see the young people handing out the magazine that they have written themselves to hundreds of fans before the game at St Mary’s - we hope that those that picked up a copy enjoyed reading their stories!

"It’s been a real pleasure for both Saints Foundation and The Big Issue to work with those young people, who have showed such a creative spark throughout."

Big Issue Editor, Paul McNamee, said: “I am delighted that we are collaborating once again with the mighty Saints Foundation and this time with such an inspiring bunch of young people.

"There is such a positive force coming from Saints and also, I’ve discovered, from the rest of Southampton.

"They genuinely want to help people be the best that can be. We support that at The Big Issue.

He added: "If my regular team had editorial meetings buzzing with as many ideas as this young team have, I’d be over the moon!"

Copies will also be distributed throughout all participating schools, which includes Woodlands Community College, St George Catholic College, Cantell School, Oasis Academy Mayfield, Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill and Redbridge School.