Cash boost to provide positive opportunities for young people

Derby County Community Trust has secured cash from a Premier League fund that aims to build stronger connections between professional football clubs and their local police forces.

The charitable arm of Derby County has received £20,000 from the Premier League Kicks Police Partnership, match-funded by Derbyshire Constabulary, to deliver a project that addresses the issue of serious drug-related violence affecting young people across Derbyshire.

The trust is one of more than 40 professional football club charities across England and Wales to receive a share of £900,000 to develop projects aimed at strengthening community relationships and reducing the risk of reoffending.

Through this funding, club charities will work with their local police forces to inspire young people to reach their potential, providing them with positive opportunities, which divert them from possible involvement in anti-social behaviour, crime and youth violence.

In partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary and community agencies, Derby County Community Trust will deliver targeted outreach to identify and engage young people most at risk.

Delivery will take place through Premier League Kicks, the Premier League’s longest-standing community programme, which provides young people with access to free weekly football and multi-sport sessions, mentoring and education workshops.

The work will take place in key identified at-risk areas, including Arboretum, Darley Abbey in Derby, alongside Newbold and Grangewood in Chesterfield.

Inclusion team leader Zack Yates said: “This funding will give us the chance to reach young people long before violence reaches them.

“It means we can step in with support, guidance and real opportunities at the moment they need it most.”

Inspector Ben Frearson, from Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “It is so important for young people at risk of becoming involved in crime to have somewhere they feel like they belong.

“The Premier League Kicks programme will be a great opportunity for them to get involved in something extremely positive, as well as be part of a group and meet people their own age through a love of football.”