Football League Trust railway safety project wins two Network Rail awards

Football League Trust work improving railway safety in communities across the country has been recognised with a pair of Network Rail Partnership Awards.
The Trust’s rail safety programme was shortlisted in two categories – community engagement and safety – and saw off the competition to win both prizes.

An ongoing partnership between the Trust and Network Rail is using the power of football to educate young people about the potential dangers posed by the railway network.

Community trusts attached to 10 Football League clubs identified as being in areas most in need of rail safety education employ a winning mixture of football, fun and educational workshops to bring home the importance of staying safe on and near to railway lines.

Football League Trust project manager Aiden Couch said: “We believe that this a great collaboration between organisations that fit very well together.

“Our community trusts are uniquely placed to engage with young people in the areas where Network Rail are looking to reduce trespassing and ultimately fatalities on the tracks. This project is doing this in a fun yet challenging way and giving young people access to training and support they would not otherwise receive.”

The work between Network Rail and the club community trusts is ongoing, but results so far point to improved knowledge of rail safety and a positive response from those youngsters taking part.

Network Rail Partnership Awards recognise the help and support given by partners in delivering a better railway for Britain.