Sports project proves successful in reducing anti-social behaviour (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Sports project proves successful in reducing anti-social behaviour

12:40pm Wednesday 28th July 2010

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A PROJECT aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour has grown from strength to strength since its launch two years ago.

Onside St Albans, which is run in partnership between Watford Football Club community sports and education trust and St Albans District Council provides a wide ranges of sports and activities for eight to 16 year olds.

Two nights a week in six wards of St Albans the Onside team, which also includes Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council, holds sessions to keep youngsters off the streets and out of trouble.

Since its launch it has been reported that anti-social behaviour involving young people decreased by 32 per cent between 2007 and 2009 across all the areas where the project operates, with decreases of 58 per cent in Batford, Harpenden and 54 per cent in Wheathampstead.

Councillor Anthony Rowlands, cabinet member for sport and leisure at the district council said: “While England's performance in the World Cup was seriously underwhelming, this project demonstrates just how much good can be achieved when young people have the opportunity to participate in sporting activity.

“Football, as with so many sports, provides opportunities both to let off steam and develop social skills. As we can see, it has clearly contributed to the reduction of anti-social behaviour in local neighbourhoods.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has made this scheme possible.”

Neil Hart, head of community development at Watford FC community sports and trust, said: “Onside St Albans has been a huge success in the district, with 250 young people attending every week.”

To get involved with Onside St Albans call Sam Mitchell at Watford FC on 01923 496292.

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