Sport can offer children 'Positive Futures'

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth today teamed up with Sports Minister Richard Caborn to kick off a new project to keep kids off drugs and away from a life of crime.

Positive Futures, a nationwide scheme, which has been running since 2000 and has so far helped over 25,000 10 to 19-year-olds, gets vulnerable young people involved in sport and on track to a brighter future.

The two Ministers visited Braunstone Sports Centre in Leicester to officially open the new project and also mark the publication of a three-year strategy.

Mr Ainsworth said: "Positive Futures makes a real difference to the lives of thousands of vulnerable young people in the worst-hit areas. We want to act early and prevent drugs misuse - by engaging them in sport we can tackle the multiple issues associated with problematic drug use. Through sport and team activities they build their self-esteem, increase their skills and learn to relate better to others."

Mr Ainsworth also congratulated Leicestershire Police on their success in seizing criminals' assets. More than £282,000 in cash has been seized, and a number of high-value cars are just some of the assets taken away from local criminals by Leicestershire Police since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 came into force.

Positive Futures has received £1 million in funding from recovered assets - that is money we have clawed back from criminals.

Lord Falconer also launched 37 new projects at Arsenal Football ground earlier today. He was joined by Dion Dublin, Aston Villa and Carlton Cole, Chelsea.

The Home Office Minister was joined at Arsenal Football Club by Dion Dublin, Carlton Cole and Tessa Sanderson to announce the locations of new projects throughout the country which will be supported by a cash boost of £18 million.

Speaking at Highbury Lord Falconer said: "Positive Futures is making a real difference to the lives of thousands of vulnerable young people in some of our most deprived communities and we, and the Football Foundation, are extending that valuable help to 37 more communities.

"Through sport and team activities Positive Futures engages directly with young people building their self-esteem, increasing their skills and helping them learn to relate better to others. Right now more than 7,000 people are involved in its projects - that's 7,000 young people away from the streets and getting their lives on the right track."

Dion Dublin said that Positive Futures was an "innovative and exciting way" of using sport to support vulnerable young people and help them make the most of their lives.

(GMcG)