Many youngsters from across the borough of Croydon have been attending workshops delivered by the New Destiny Trust, who have focused on the issues of anti-crime intitiatives followed by an afternoon session out on the pitch taking part in a football tournament.
This workshop is part of the "Give the Red Card to Knife Crime" initiative which is a joint partnership between Crystal Palace FC Community Sports Trust, Crystal Palace FC, Crystal Palace Youth Trust, Croydon Council and the Metropolitan Police and is aimed at highlighting the issues of knife crime and consequences of being drawn into criminal activity.
The six a side tournaments are part of the workshop for under 15 and under 18 age groups and are being played on a knock out basis with the semi final and final stages being played at Selhurst Park on Sunday 29th March 2009. This is the date of the showpiece to the initiative when former Palace striker, Mark Bright hosts a Palace legends side against a Celebrity side.
Vice-Chairman Dominic Jordan said: "We're hoping there will be a great line-up of celebrities and former Palace legends to ensure everyone coming has a fantastic experience.
"This is a very important cause and something we, as a club, take very seriously.
"It's vital to heighten the awareness of violent youth crime rather than shying away from it or pretending it's not happening.
"Sadly, it's a reality so the more help and opportunities we can give young people in the area, both through workshops and the tournaments we're running, the better as far as we're concerned."
Members of the Crystal Palace playing squad have been attending the workshops and running their eyes over some of the youngsters taking part in the tournament. Goalkeeper Julian Speroni and defender Nathanial Clyne both attended one of the workshops and met with the youngsters as they added their support to this campaign.
Julian Speroni told the club's official website "This is a great project which is clearly targeting a local concern and the club's support shows how seriously we view the problems of knife crime. The workshop today covered some important points and it was obvious that the youngsters were doing their best to win their matches and get a chance to play at Selhurst Park."
Tickets for the match at Selhurst Park can be purchased on 08712 00 00 71 from the box office and the following prices apply :-
Sunday 29th March 2009
Charity Football Match
at Selhurst Park Stadium
UK Cup Stars Celebrity X1 v Mark Bright's Legends X1
Kick-Off 1.00pm
Ticket Prices :-
Adults £8 Concessions £5
Family Ticket : £25 2 Adults and 3 Children
