Everton in the Community has received an award for its outstanding contribution to community safety across Merseyside.
The Blues’ nationally acclaimed social inclusion programme, ‘Kickz’ was presented with a ‘Legacy Award’ at the Merseyside Police Authority Community Safety Awards 2012.
The programme, which has significantly helped to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in hot spot areas across Liverpool, was commended for excellence in serving the communities of Merseyside and was awarded a grant to continue Merseyside Police Authority's legacy of encouraging and supporting community groups to help in the fight against crime in the years to come.
Chairman of Merseyside Police Authority, Cllr Bill Weightman, said: “We had more nominees for awards this year than ever before, making it an extremely competitive field. Those who have received awards can be proud of being the cream of the crop in terms of reducing crime, supporting victims and making Merseyside a safer place."
The Kickz programme is a national initiative delivered by Everton in the Community and Liverpool Football Club and supported by the Premier League’s Active Communities programme, which works towards creating stronger, more respectful communities through football.
Since 2007 Everton and Liverpool have been working in partnership with Merseyside Police to run football sessions in areas which have high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, including Norris Green, Croxteth, Stockbridge Village, Anfield and Breckside.
Everton in the Community’s social inclusion manager, Paul Nagle, said: “It is an absolute honour to receive this award. It recognises the fantastic partnership we have with Merseyside Police and Liverpool Football Club and our commitment to helping some of the most deprived and underprivileged young people in Merseyside make the right life-choices.”
The Blues were also recently commended for their work in the disability field at the Beyond Sport Awards in London, where Everton in the Community’s ‘Tackling Inequality, Empowering Ability’ programme was named runner up in the P&G UK Impact Award.
Everton was highlighted in recognition of its ground-breaking work with people living with mental health issues and/or disabilities and the tangible difference it has made to the local community through sport. The programme also received funding of £2,500 at the ceremony.
For more information about Kickz or Everton's disability programmes, 0151 530 5253.
