Media centre

Monday 3 Feb 2003

NORWICH SCHOOL REACHES FOOTBALL FINAL

Region & Route:

| Eastern: Anglia

| Eastern

| Southern

Schools from all over East Anglia are travelling to Norwich this Wednesday for Network Rail’s regional under 11 six-a-side football finals.  Elmtree Middle School will be representing the Norwich area.  They have already beaten tough opposition to reach these finals and will be competing against nine other schools who will be representing their local clubs. The tournament is part of Network Rail’s national Football in the Community scheme.   Staff work enthusiastically with football clubs running coaching sessions and tournaments to promote railway safety in local communities and to help highlight the dangers of and to deter railway crime. Keeping young people motivated and occupied is always a challenge and that's why Football in the Community is such a worthwhile initiative. Every year, over 90% of all reported acts of vandalism on the railway are committed by young people who are often bored, disillusioned and at a loose end.  Through a £1 million investment, Network Rail and Football in the Community work together on fun and enjoyable activities for over a million kids across the country every year.  Safety is our goal and Football in the Community helps us achieve it. PHOTOCALL There will be an opportunity to photograph the winners receiving their trophy at approximately 2.30pm.