Information on Loughborough

Melton youngsters take on multi agency football team

Posted on 01/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Chief Executive's

1 September 2009

Melton youngsters take on multi agency football team ***Photo opportunity: 8pm, Thursday, September 3, Hartopp Road Park (behind the Burmese Cat pub) ***

Former Leicester City stars are set to oversee a football match between Melton youngsters and a team made up of multi agency workers.

Steve Walsh and Muzzy Izzet will be handing out trophies to the winners after the game which kick off at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 3, on the park behind the Burmese Cat public house.

The event has been organised by Leicestershire Youth Offending Service’s IMPACT Project which has been working in the Barker Crescent and Hartopp Road area for almost three months.

The IMPACT workers have worked closely with young people from the area in an attempt to reduce anti social behaviour. The youngsters told IMPACT staff that football was a positive activity that would keep them occupied.

The multi-agency football team will consist of officers from Melton Borough Council, Leicestershire Police, Youth Service and Voluntary Action Melton, as well as a representative from Leicestershire Youth Offending Service.

Kam Chauhan, IMPACT project manager for Leicestershire Youth Offending Service, said:  ‘’We hope the football match will raise public reassurance and confidence for the local residents in the area.

“Agencies are working together to try and reduce anti social behaviour and are providing constructive activities for the young people in the area to try and keep them out of future trouble.”

Byron Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Safer Communites at Leicestershire County Council, said: “This is a great example of agencies working directly with young people to reduce anti-social behaviour.

“I wish both teams the best of luck.”

George Simpson, anti-social behaviour officer at Melton Borough Council, said:

"A lot of young people are saying that there isn't anything to do so it's great the different agencies such as the Youth Offending Service and the IMPACT team, are trying to make a difference by engaging with young people and giving them more positive things to do."

Inspector Nigel Peters. From Melton Police, said: ‘local officers and staff from Melton are supporting the project and are looking forward to en exciting match.”

Before the match Steve Walsh and Muzzy Izzet will offer youngsters a coaching session. Afterwards they will present the winners with trophies at 8pm, before a barbecue is held.

The pair have been signed up by Melton Borough Council to work with young people in the town. They will also be delivering a 12-week football educational coaching programme through Melton Learning Hub.