To launch the new Stay On Side programme, the Police & Crime Commissioner has donated £7,500 to Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation.
On Friday the 15th of July, we welcomed Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Nicola Lowery along with representatives from West Mercia Police & Shropshire Council, Sgt Ingrid Tozer, PC Chris Rayment, Chief Inspector Mark Reilly, Superintendent Ed Hancox, and leader of Shropshire Council Lezley Picton to Montgomery Waters Meadow where they presented Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation with a cheque of £7,500 to launch the Stay On Side programme.
The Stay On Side programme is aimed at 12 to 17 year olds and is designed to educate them about what’s right and wrong when it comes to supporting their team. Through the power of football, West Mercia Police and the Foundation want to engage with young people on match days and educate them about football related offences that can lead to further convictions later in life. Designated Football Officers will be located in the Fan Zone at every home game, talking to young fans about how they can enjoy the game responsibly as well as finding ways that they can get involved across local programmes near them.
“Launching a project like Stay On Side is great as it highlights the strong relationship between the community and local partners such as West Mercia Police. I can’t wait to see the benefits of this project as it starts to engage with young people in the local area.”
– Calvin Latham, Education Manager at Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation