Youngsters help to kick sectarianism into touch

Aug 13 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

ALBION Rovers, beCogent and Strathclyde Police have joined forces to run a four-week project to tackle sectarianism.

The initiative, led by Pat Rolink from Albion Rovers and PC Dougie McFadzean takes youngsters from Airdrie and Coatbridge and puts them together in a variety of situations from physical challenges to days out to thought-provoking games all with the purpose of challenging sectarianism.

And last Friday was a special day for the youngsters as they received some special visitors – MP Tom Clarke, MSP Elaine Smith, Chief Inspector Jim Sweeney, Inspector Colin Wylie and Alison Logamn, coordinator of Sense over Sectarianism.

Alison said: “Sense over Sectarianism have been delighted to work with Albion Rovers and Strathclyde Police on this project.

“It is very easy to see young people as part of the sectarian problem but the young people involved here today clearly see themselves as part of the solution.

“Coatbridge and Airdrie have a group of young people who have thoughts about their behaviour and how sectarianism impacts on their community and are looking to create change. Clearly this project is effective.”

The group of youngsters explained to the visitors what they had learned and answered questions posed by the visitors.

Pat Rolink said: “It is a joy to see how the group, all from different areas of Airdrie and Coatbridge, are from different backgrounds and beliefs and have bonded and worked together and have become friends.

“All the people involved from all the organisations have put a great deal of time and effort into the project and are clearly rewarded by the response of the group and their appreaciation of the topics covered.”

PC Dougie McFadzean from Strathclyde Police said: “ Over the past few weeks we have worked closely with Albion Rovers, beCogent and local places of worship, amongst others, to provide an educational, challenging and diverse project.

“The children have been excellent and will act as ambassadors for positive attitudes as they enter their high schools shortly.”

Inspector Wylie said: “This was my first visit to the group and I was impressed by the grasp on sectarianism that the group had and their determination to challenge it.”