Young people encouraged to tackle anti-social behaviour
Warwickshire Crimebeat has joined forces with local football clubs to promote available funding for projects that tackle anti-social behaviour, with a road show at Atherstone Town FC this weekend (Saturday 24 April).
The charity, managed by Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme and funded by the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and the private sector, awards grants to groups of young people from the age of five to 25, who have identified crime, public safety or environmental issues within the community.
500 footballs – promoting partners involved with the charity and details of how to apply for the funding – will be distributed countywide by police community support officers (PCSOs) based in schools and staff from Positive about Young People (PaYP).
It is hoped the footballs will be used for group games in schools, youth centres and community groups to highlight positive activities and teamwork.
Representatives will be on hand on Saturday 24 April at Atherstone FC’s home game against Chesham United to raise awareness of the charity and to talk about some of the examples of successful projects that are already underway, such as those tackling bullying or disaffection among young people. A limited number of Crimebeat-branded footballs will also be available.
Other clubs across the county have already offered their support to the campaign including Leamington FC and Nuneaton Town.
Royce Farr, Steering Group Chairman for Warwickshire Crimebeat said: “The aim of this project is to encourage groups of young people to do something positive in their community by applying for Crimebeat grants and improving the area they live in.
“Any ideas will be considered providing they focus on making the community safer, tackling crime, crime prevention messages or are environmentally lead.
“We would like to thank our partners for their support with this project so far, and extend particular thanks to Leamington FC for their support.
Howard Kerry from Atherstone Town Football Club, added: “We are really pleased to be supporting this initiative, which fits in with the club’s aim to promote how football can be used positively in the community.”
George Stepney, Community Intervention Manager for Warwickshire Police said: “Football is a fantastic way to engage with young people in the community.
“We hope this initiative encourages them to think positively about how Crimebeat funding can help improve and protect their neighbourhoods in the future.”
Young people can apply for funding from Warwickshire Crimebeat at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/payp, where they can also find out more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme.