Football team tackles crime and drugs
A group of 13 to 19-year-olds from Nuneaton are turning to sport to get across their anti-crime and drugs message, thanks to funding from Warwickshire Crimebeat.
The young people from the ‘Prosperous Youth Community Group’ have set up a football team called the Nuneaton Aces and regularly take part in tournaments and matches across the Midlands.
Using funding from Warwickshire Crimebeat - a charity funded by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire, supported by the Private Sector and managed by Warwickshire County Council’s ‘Positive about Young People’ scheme - they have designed special anti-crime and drugs posters and a logo to be printed on their shirts.
The team will play their first competitive tournament at Loughborough University in Leicestershire on Sunday 23 November.
Rashida Suleman, Chair of the Prosperous Youth Community Group, said: “The young people approached me with their idea and I thought it was a great way to get an anti-crime and drugs message across to a wide audience.
“The group are very enthusiastic about what they are doing and it gives them a sense of real achievement.”
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “This is not only a fantastic way for young people to do something positive for the community but also to help keep active, and I congratulate them on their initiative.“
Warwickshire Crimebeat is continually looking for groups of Young People to apply for funding. For more information contact Mark Bolton, Warwickshire Crimebeat co-ordinator, on 02476 754174 or email markbolton@warwickshire.gov.uk.