Former Rangers star Kris Boyd has applauded North Ayrshire Council for deciding to tear down no ball games signs in estates.
The TV sports pundit believes they discourage kids from playing the game.
Welcoming the removal of the signs, Kris, 36, said children will need exercise more than ever after Covid-19 restrictions end.
The ex--Kilmarnock captain told the Ayrshire Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It is fantastic news. It shows great forward thinking by the council and it is the right thing to do.
“Obviously at the moment children can’t take advantage but when we come out of lockdown and restrictions are lifted this will play a key part.
"Children will need to exercise more than ever. It is great work.”
Bosses at the council have agreed to take down 44 of the signs in the area to encourage children outside.
They were originally erected following complaints about playing and “low level anti-social behaviour” according to a council paper.
Officers intend to work with the community and the police to sort out any problems of anti-social behaviour, which sparked them in the first place.
A council statement said: “In September 2019, footballer Kris Boyd cited ‘No Ball Games’ signs as one of the reasons that this generation of children no longer play football within their communities. There is also some concern regarding the negative impact these signs can have on children exercising their right to play.”
It added: “Removing ‘No Ball Games’ signage will ensure council land is available for play and will encourage children to play and spend leisure time outside in their local community.”
Last year top goalscorer Kris said children are not allowed to kick a ball in the streets unlike in South America. The 36-year-old complained ‘no ball games’ signs are everywhere.
Blasting the lack of encouragement for youngsters he pointed out that playing football has become too costly and a middle class pursuit on Sky Sports.
