Albion Rovers help kick bigotry into touch

Jul 30 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

MONKLANDS youngsters have been taking part in a project designed to eradicate racial and sectarian behaviour.

The scheme, organised by local senior football club Albion Rovers in association with Strathclyde Police, charity Sense over Sectarianism (SoS), the Coatbridge crime prevention panel and beCogent, is currently running for a second summer.

Pupils going to high school after the holidays are being urged to attend one of the four free week-long events which are about having fun as well as conveying a serious message.

Football and golf coaching has been provided with youngsters also getting the chance to write scripts and make a DVD.

Working with artist George Smith, the kids have been improving their art skills.

The kids have also been on visits to Coatbridge Police Station and the headquarters of local firm beCogent.

Rovers commercial manager Pat Rolink said: “When it comes to this type of work, we are the leading lights.

“I notice on day one that kids use terms they don’t see as being sectarian or racist. But after a couple of hours they realise it is wrong and they think differently.

“We can’t work with every single kid in the area but we are aiming this project at those who are getting ready to go to high school.

“There is so much talent, positivity and energy in our young people and we need to make the most of that.”

Mr Rolink praised the involvement of SoS and added: “They have shown a lot of empathy towards the problems we have had .

“Funding from them allows us to carry out this type of work with our partners.”

One of the kids taking part in the project, Alan Forde from Airdrie, said: “It is not nice to bully other people just because they are differents.”

And Amy Costello, of Coatbridge, added: “Learning about other people’s cultures can be fun as well.”

Don Macbeth, treasurer of the Coatbridge crime prevention panel, said: “This project is vital as it is important children don’t grow up with prejudices against people from a different background.

“It’s not all about sitting in a classroom. The children are encouraged to be active and have fun.”

Mr Rolink revealed that there are still some spaces for the last two weeks of the scheme running from August 4-8 and August 11-15.

A mini-bus will pick up and drop off the children at an agreed location with free water and fruit provided to supplement kids’ packed lunches.

For more information, contact the club on (01236) 606334 or e-mail pat@albionrovers.com