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A Positive Future For Manchester

The NACRO Positive Futures Programme, a scheme aimed at offering young people a new start, has received a £135,340 Football Foundation grant to develop a grass roots football programme in the Beswick area of the City.

Launched by Sir Alex Ferguson and the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, The Positive Futures Programme uses sport as a means of engaging young people in positive activities that promote a healthier lifestyle and divert them from crime, drugs and anti social behaviour.

Chaired by Lord Pendry and established last year the Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, developing football as a force for social cohesion and education in communities around the country. With an annual budget of over £50m the Football Foundation is now the UK’s largest sporting charity.

The Beswick Project will provide community based football clubs, run by adult volunteers, boosting relationships between adults and young people and offering a structured activity for disaffected young people currently not engaging in other social provisions. The programmes will assist with the personal and social development of these youngsters, the emphasis being on their participation rather than skills or ability in football. The programme will also offer volunteering opportunities for members of the local community who have an interest in community involvement and training initiatives.

Foundation Chief Executive, Peter Lee, in welcoming this grant said:

“Football is unique in sport for its power as a force for good in society and the Foundation is working hard to maximise football’s potential as a focal point for many forms of community involvement.

For Further Information Please Contact Simon Taylor on 020 7 534 4280