Alongside our commitment to developing football and sports participation, the Luton Town FC Community Trust also recognises our obligations and commitment to our local community and the power of football to be at the heart of that community.
Luton is a rich and diverse community, but also one that is often highlighted in the press for the wrong reasons – social deprivation, poverty, social exclusion and knife and gang crime.. This clearly is not representative of the whole of Luton, but as a Community Trust we recognise that the Football Club sits side by side with areas that traditionally suffer from all of those issues.
Luton Town F.C. is arguably the most recognisable brand in our immediate catchment area alongside easyjet and Vauxhall and is perfectly placed to lead the response to this negative image. The Community seeks to do this through a range of responses, including direct work with young people and communities and working with local businesses to provide opportunities and ‘open doors’.
By providing positive sports activities, delivered by trained coaches and youth workers, to young people within estates and community facilities at key times (evenings, weekends and school holiday periods) and in key ‘hot spots’ we can influence behaviour and contribute to tackling youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
Community Trust coaches are trained not only to coach football, but also as youth workers to ensure they can support the wider development of participants on our programmes – to act as role models and mentors, to provide advice, guidance and support beyond the physical delivery of football.
Work in this field includes supporting young people in their decision making and life choices, those excluded from school, ex-offenders and those identified as being ‘at risk’ or vulnerable.