Campaign gets government backing

Charlton's campaign to combat violence on the streets of Greenwich, Bexley and Kent has received vital financial backing from the government and one of the capital's charities.

Police, officials and supporters of show their support for Charlton's campaign against Reading

All funding obtained by the project, which is being led by the Addicks and the Charlton Community Trust, will be invested in a school education programme.

And the club's supporters also dug deep at the launch of the Street Violence Ruins Lives Campaign at the home match against Reading last month by contributing around £1,500 to a collection around the stadium.

"We have been delighted with the response we have received to our plans, and the focus and attention now is to deliver the education programme into schools,” said Jason Morgan, acting chief executive of the trust.

"This project proves the point that professional football clubs can, and indeed do, play a vital part in their communities, and that far more could be done by clubs if funding can be obtained."

Financial support and commitment has now been confirmed from the Government Office for London and Safer London Foundation.

And an £80,000 application for funding has been submitted to appoint a permanent officer to deliver the programme in schools and to provide exit routes into positive activities.

Charlton are already working with more than a dozen organisations, including the local authorities and police across Greenwich, Bexley and Kent.

And club and trust officials are continuing to formulate plans for the implementation of the initiative to tackle knife and gun crime, with meetings scheduled with the Metropolitan Police and charities regarding the school resource packs.

Indeed, work has already begun to identify the schools in Greenwich and Bexley that will benefit from the first phase of the education roll-out.

Charlton commercial director Steve Sutherland said: "Without question, the fact that Charlton have driven this project has given other agencies the impetus to get involved and highlighted the power of a tracksuit as opposed to a uniform or a suit."

A committee, comprising staff from the trust, the football club, key stakeholders and Sally and Colin Knox - parents of Charlton fan Rob, who was stabbed to death in May - has now been formed to oversee the programme.

And officials are aiming to get the campaign up and running in schools by the start of next year.

More information on the Street Violence Ruins Lives campaign is available here, and supporters can pledge money to support the project via the dedicated website.