Addicks harness football's power

Charlton's drive against street violence
Sarah Taylor
BBC London 94.9

When Charlton Athletic take on Reading on 23 August they will be hoping for results both on and off the pitch.

The global popularity of the 'beautiful game' has been used time after time to help unite people across the world.

Many know the power of football can help nurture relationships and help bring people together.

Now Charlton Athletic are planning to help tackle street violence by sending coaches to schools and housing estates across south-east London.

The club have been working closely alongside The Football League and the Football Association and have been given permission for players to wear a special logo, which reads 'Street violence ruins lives', for their match against Reading.

The initiative follows more than six weeks of discussions with local authorities, the government and the police, and is being jointly instigated by the football club and its community trust.

Jason Morgan, chief executive of the Charlton Community Trust said: "I don't think there is anyone who doesn't believe that something needs to be done to highlight the current dangers posed by street weapons."

The power of football is extraordinary, and youngsters respond far more to someone in a tracksuit than the traditional delivery approaches Chief executive of the Charlton Community Trust Jason Morgan

"The great thing is that we are in a position to do something about it.

"We already go into schools, and we deliver programmes into 80 estates per week where we can reach the most at risk and vulnerable young people.

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

Charlton were one of the first clubs to try and raise awareness of issues affecting the local area.

Back in 1992 they were the first football club to dedicate an annual event to combating racism launching the red, white and black day.

As a result the club now has nine full-time staff in place working for the Charlton Athletic Racial Equality (CARE) partnership.

So when Charlton take to the pitch for their match against Reading, remember the Addicks are fighting for more than just the three points.