This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Football First in Glasgow
01/11/2002
An innovative football project to tackle vandalism and
anti-social behaviour on buses was launched today by First
Minister Jack McConnell.
Around 2,500 youngsters from the most deprived areas of
Glasgow will take part in the 'First Football' scheme each
week - sponsored by the transport group First.
The scheme aims to reduce vandalism on First Group
buses, benefiting the company and drivers as well as
residents and visitors to the city.
Mr McConnell said:
"This project offers young people viable alternatives to
crime, helping them to make positive choices and provide
hope for the future. But it is not just young people who
will reap the benefits of this scheme - everyone in Glasgow
can benefit from the reduction in vandalism and anti-social
behaviour
"I believe First Football can improve the quality of
life for people across the city, making bus travel in
Glasgow safer and more enjoyable.
"I am determined to crackdown on crime, and youth crime
in particular. The First Football project is just one of
the many ways that we are taking action to improve
Scotland.
The programme will run for one year from October 2002,
on a weekly basis, at seven venues located within some of
the city's most deprived areas.
The main components of the programme will be:
- Futsal (five a sides) - 12 to 16 year olds
- Soccer Sevens - 8 to 12 year olds
- Structured Developmental Leagues - 12 to 14 year
olds
- Coach Education
- Holiday Programmes
Participants will be given educational talks by
Strathclyde police and SFA coaches to reinforce key
messages relating to anti-vandalism.
First in Glasgow has committed £40,000 to the project
for the first year. If the programme is successful, it is
hoped that it will be continued in future years by the
partners involved. Funding of £12,000 per year over three
years has already been secured from the Scottish
Executive's 'Sportsmatch Fund'. Further funding for the
first year has also been secured from Glasgow City Council
Area Management forums.