A school football side in Gedling is teaming up with Nottinghamshire Police to give their opponents something to think about next season
#LivesNotKnives will be emblazoned on the football kits of players from the Carlton le Willows Academy teams from September to help promote the campaign which has also been backed by all three of Nottinghamshire’s professional football clubs Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Insp Steven O’Neill is delighted by the campaign’s latest signing.
He said: “It’s very important that we continue to spread the message of our #LivesNotKnives campaign and it’s fantastic to have the support of Carlton Le Willows school to do that.
“I hope that by having the slogan on their kits, it will help start a conversation amongst students, parents, teachers and the surrounding community as we continue to tackle knife crime.
“Carrying a knife is not acceptable. We urge anyone who is thinking of carrying a knife not to do it. The message is clear – there is no need to carry a knife in Nottinghamshire and they are not welcome in our communities. Those closest to you may not carry knives, but it’s still a conversation worth having with them.”
Carlton le Willows Academy deputy head Chris Turner said: “Carlton le Willows always takes a proactive approach and we firmly believe in equipping our young people with the knowledge and information to make informed choices.
“The #LivesNotKnives campaign is a really positive message to share, not only with our students but also with the wider community, and we are delighted that our Year 10 footballers will be wearing these football kits next season.”
Councillor David Ellis said: “It’s great to see Carlton le Willows Academy taking the prevention of knife crime seriously and visibly. Wearing the message across their shirts should give their opponents and spectators something to think about.”
The printing of the kits follows work by the force’s School and Early Intervention Officers who are visiting schools throughout Nottinghamshire and educating pupils of the danger of knife crime amongst other crimes.
For more information, advice and educational videos about the #LivesNotKnives campaign please visit the new website: www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/knifecrime
