Stab family backs football scheme

A football team setting out to educate children about the dangers of knives and guns has been backed by the family of an 18-year-old stabbing victim.

Charlton Athletic is in talks with Sally Knox, mother of Rob Knox, who was stabbed to death in Sidcup in May.

Spokesman Jason Morgan said the family was interested in working with them.

The club is using football to tackle the problem of street violence through activities in schools and estates in south east London and Kent.

And its home match against Reading on 23 August is also being dedicated to raising awareness of the issues, said Mr Morgan, chief executive of the Charlton Community Trust.

"Youngsters respond far more to someone in a tracksuit"
Jason Morgan

Mr Morgan said Rob Knox's family were interested in supporting the day and "working with us to educate young people and highlight the dangers of street violence".

Rob Knox, an actor with a role in a Harry Potter film, was a Charlton fan.

The community programme involves football coaches visiting schools and estates across Greenwich, Bexley and Kent to talk to children and educate them about the dangers of weapons.

Mr Morgan said: "The power of football is extraordinary, and youngsters respond far more to someone in a tracksuit than the traditional delivery approaches.

"It is our intention to get education resource packs to every child in Greenwich, Bexley and Kent."

Karl Bishop, 21, from Sidcup, has been charged murdering Rob Knox and wounding five other people. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 2 September.

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