A SOCIAL inclusion programme run by Everton and Liverpool football clubs has received an award for its outstanding contribution to community safety across Merseyside.
The Premiership rivals' work with nationally acclaimed project Kickz was handed a Legacy Award at the Merseyside Police Authority Community Safety Awards 2012.
Kickz began as a pilot project in London between the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police in 2006, with the aim of using football to bring communities together and engage with young people. It now works with 42 clubs across England.
Everton In The Community's efforts with LFC, which police say has significantly helped to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in hot spot areas across Liverpool, was commended for excellence in serving the communities of Merseyside. It was awarded a grant to continue Merseyside Police Authority's legacy of encouraging and supporting community groups to help fight crime in years to come.
Since 2007, Everton and Liverpool have been working in partnership with Merseyside Police to run football sessions in areas which have high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, including Norris Green, Croxteth, Stockbridge Village, Anfield and Breckside.
It is the only programme to have two Premier League sides working together in this way.
Cllr Bill Weightman, Paul Nagle
And Bernard Lawson,
Deputy Chief Constable Of
Merseyside PoliceEverton in the Community’s social inclusion manager, Paul Nagle, said: “It is an absolute honour to receive this award. It recognises the fantastic partnership we have with Merseyside Police and Liverpool Football Club and our commitment to helping some of the most deprived and underprivileged young people in Merseyside make the right life choices.”
Everton were also recently commended for their work with people living with mental health issues and disabilities at the Beyond Sport Awards in London, where its Tackling Inequality, Empowering Ability programme was named runner up in the P&G UK Impact Award.
For more information about Kickz or Everton's disability programmes, 0151 530 5253.
