SVGFF combating Crime and Violence with Football

Under the theme, “Put down your gun, pick up a ball and come”, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) will this Sunday at the Redemption Sharpes playing field stage a football festival from 1 pm.{{more}}

According to the federation, this is their way of showing the youths of the nation that there are alternatives to a life of crime and violence.

But it will not only be football, as the federation has formed a partnership with the National Youth Council and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in combating this scourge.

And representatives from all three organisations will address Sunday’s programme which should see other areas in the country being targetted.

Both sexes will get a chance to display their skills in small goal competitions and endurance races.

Sunday’s event follows revelation of plans by the SVGFF to look seriously and with vigour at the gaping incision that deviant behaviours are causing in the Vincentian society.

At a press conference held on June 6, president of the local football governing body, St. Clair Leacock disclosed that violence and crime have made their way into even national football teams where young players are suspected of being involved in criminal activities.

Assistant Secretary of Operations Alana Mc Master told SEARCHLIGHT her organisation is working closely with the police and the newly revived Sharpes Educational Sports and Cultural Organisation (SESCO), hence that area was chosen to kick start the programme.

“The police are setting up youth groups in several areas so they are assisting us greatly”, an enthused Mc Master said.

Also the head of the women’s football committee, Mc Master said that other areas are already on the agenda, with some fine tuning of the events left to be done.

She added that the festivals are part of the promotion of a “healthy lifestyle through football”.