Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) Youth Engagement Vehicle programme has been named EFL League One Community Project of the Season.
The youth engagement buses, which engage with young people in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Bexley, play a pivotal role in reaching a diverse group of young people in south-east London. The buses, which are equipped with a variety of activities and supported by experienced mentors, have created a safe and welcoming space for young people, helping them build confidence and engage in positive activities.
The Community Project of the Season award recognises the most innovative and impactful initiatives carried out by EFL clubs and their community trusts. After being named the winner of the divisional community project of the season award for League One at the EFL Community Awards at the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, CACT is now in the running for the overall Community Project of the Season accolade.
CACT will now go up against Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale, the divisional winners from the Championship and League Two, to earn the overall prize at the EFL Awards which take place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Sunday, April 27th.
CACT CEO Jason Morgan said: “We are thrilled that CACT’s work towards crime reduction has again been recognised by the EFL.
“The youth engagement vehicles project is one we’re particularly proud of as it continues to make an impact in the London Boroughs of Bexley and Royal Greenwich as part of our commitment to help tackle anti-social behaviour and youth violence.
“Through a targeted approach in challenging areas, the vans create a safe space for young people to meet and engage with staff and youth mentors, while also providing the wider community with reassurance through their presence.”