Police football initiative to get kids off streets and on the ball

Jul 17 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

AN initiative aimed at diverting young people away from crime and disorder kicked off in Blantyre last week.

‘Move the Goalposts’ is a football scheme developed by Strathclyde Police and partners, with sessions throughout the area using a mobile football pitch.

Sessions will take place outside the TACT Community Hall every Friday and Saturday from 6pm-10pm for the next three weeks.

Police hope the initiative will reduce violent antisocial crime, help promote social inclusion and facilitate better community relations.

The initiative involves a number of organisations, including Centre Spot Development, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service, and Streetbase.

Inspector John Riley from Blantyre Police Office said: “As well as the recreational activities on offer, partner agencies such as Streetbase are on hand to give young people information and advice on drugs and alcohol.

They also provide the children with an educational input on other types of antisocial behaviour.

“By coming along to ‘Move the Goalposts’, we hope that young people will make safer and more informed choices in their day-to-day lives.”

Pictured are children involved in the initiative with their coaches, who included former Hamilton Accies youth coach Tony Andrew.

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