Nottinghamshire help local youngsters

Nottinghamshire are taking part in a groundbreaking community initiative to get Nottingham youngsters involved in competitive sport.

Funded by the Home Office and a £175,000 contribution from the Football Foundation, and in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council, the Positive Futures programme will be managed by the Trent Bridge Community Sports Trust and will see children in Cotgrave aged between 11 and 19 given the chance to engage in sport.

Qualified coaches will provide introductions to sports including cricket and football and help young people to make the transition from recreational sport into competition and coaching.

Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Policing, Security and Crime, will attend the launch of a groundbreaking community initiative tomorrow at Trent Bridge.

Nottinghamshire chief executive Derek Brewer said: “We are truly delighted that this initiative has come to fruition and grateful to all parties for the support that we have received.

“This is the first time that the Football Foundation has funded a project led by a professional cricket club and we are determined to ensure that we achieve the desired outcomes for the funders, the local authority and the young people of Cotgrave.”

Vernon Coaker - Minister of State for Policing, Security and Crime - will attend the launch

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Neil Clarke added: “The council enjoys a strong relationship with Notts County Cricket Club and our joint approach will allow us to tackle a community concern and give positive direction to young people through sport.

“Schemes like Positive Futures don’t just happen and a lot of hard work has gone in to getting this off the ground. The way in which all of the partners have got together is a great tribute to everybody involved.

“We have to enforce the law but enforcement isn’t the only answer and it is important that we get behind schemes that help to prevent young people from becoming problems for the police.

“The message to the young people of Cotgrave is that we’re trying to give you the Positive Future that you deserve.

“This scheme will help young people to take positive steps away from crime and towards a future of confidence and achievement.

“Our partnership with the cricket club has played a pivotal role in making sure that Rushcliffe plays host to great sport and all parties will work together to make Rushcliffe home to great young people.”

Chief executive of the Football Foundation Paul Thorogood said: "This is an exciting partnership between football and cricket which will engage disadvantaged young people in Nottingham and provide them with real opportunities for personal development that they would not ordinarily have.

“Sport has a unique ability to change society for the better, which is why the Football Foundation has supported 310 social inclusion programmes worth £65m, including 34 Positive Futures projects, right across the country."