Crimebeat project kicks-off in Nuneaton - Saturday March 20, 2010 

Warwickshire Crimebeat is joining forces with local football clubs to promote available funding for projects that tackle anti-social behaviour, starting with the official launch at Nuneaton Town FC this weekend.

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 funds – 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 for the launch on Saturday March 20 at the Nuneaton Town game against Swindon Supermarine 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 offered their support to the campaigns, details of which will be available in the coming weeks.

Rod Owen, 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 Nuneaton Town FC for their support.

Nuneaton Town FC’s Football in the Community Officer, Steve Farmer 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 www.warwickshire.gov.uk/payp, where they can also find out more information about Warwickshire County Council’s Positive about Young People programme.

Ends

For media enquiries please contact Stuart Goodwin at the Warwickshire County Council press office on 01926 414168.

What: Warwickshire Crimebeat launches football initiative at Nuneaton Town FC

When: From 2:30pm, Saturday 20 March 2010

Where: Nuneaton Town Football Club, Liberty Way Stadium, Liberty Way, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, CV11 6RR

Photo: Preparing to launch the Crimebeat initiative are (from back left to right) Ian Neale, Chairman of Nuneaton Town Football Club; Rod Owen, Steering Group Chairman for Warwickshire Crimebeat; and Steve Farmer, Nuneaton Town FC’s Football in the Community Officer. (Front) PCSO Kate Martin from Warwickshire Police.