Media centre

Friday 20 Jan 2006

NO MESSIN’! SAYS ASHTON BOYS FC

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Ashton Boys FC is now the proud owner of brand new football strips, having received £550 sponsorship from Network Rail’s ‘No Messin’!’ campaign – which promotes railway safety. The under-nine’s team, which comprises two seven-aside teams who play at their home ground in Clanage in Ashton, Bristol, has not only received new kit but now also understand the dangers of playing on the railway.  This has generated interest not only from parents, but also visiting teams, with the children passing on the message that the railway is not a playground. Chris Fuoco, Area Operations Manager for the West Country, said: “This is a great way of getting the message across to children about the dangers of trespassing on the railway, but at the same time helping children to learn and develop new skills. “As the infrastructure owner, Network Rail has a responsibility to spread the message that the railway can be a dangerous place.  You wouldn’t try to use a motorway as a short cut or a place to hang out – so why the railway?  Our message is clear: ‘No Messin!’”. Based on the premise that many young people are tempted to play on tracks because they are bored and have nothing else to do with their time, Network Rail has developed a ‘No Messin’!’ campaign to encourage a diversion from unsafe activities, rather than trying to change behaviour through shock tactics.  Jerry Hartrey, Ashton Boys FC, said: “Having new kit has not only lifted the teams’ spirits, but it’s also a fantastic way of putting out the railway safety message to the kids and their parents. The parents, coaches and players would like to say a big thank to Network Rail.”