Arriva Trains Wales | NEW KIT DRIVES HOME SAFETY MESSAGE TO YOUNG FOOTBALLERS

NEW KIT DRIVES HOME SAFETY MESSAGE TO YOUNG FOOTBALLERS

Young footballers from Neath and surrounding communities have been kitted out in a smart new kit thanks to a sponsorship deal with Arriva Trains Wales.

Bryncoch Under 13 JFC Bryncoch Junior Football Club, which was formed in 1981, received their new playing kit at a presentation held in the presence of head of safety at Arriva Trains, Chris Didio, PC Chris Draisey and PCSO Andrew Rollingson from the British Transport Police (BTP) Neighbourhood Policing Team based in Swansea.

The new kit co-promotes the 'Track Off' organisation, which exists to support train operating companies and British Transport Police in their efforts to promote railway safety among young people.

Geraint Morgan, community affairs manager for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “The sponsorship of Bryncoch’s under 13’s team is part of an initiative aimed at encouraging youngsters to engage in positive healthy activities while raising awareness of the dangers associated with trespass on the tracks.”

During the presentation, the squad watched a real life documentary based on an incident involving a young boy trespassing and spraying graffiti on a railway line. Presented by BTP partnership officer Andy Evans, the documentary highlighted the impact such a tragedy can have on individuals, families and communities following such an event.

Speaking on behalf of the football club, Ian Smith, Club coach for the under 13s, said: “The safety talk was well received by the boys as it highlighted to them the dangers of trespassing onto the railway, and how it affects a large number of people who have to deal with fatalities such as drivers, the families and the emergency services.”

He continued: “A number of the boys talked about the stories after the presentation as the dangers obviously hit home to a large number of the team. The short DVD provided a strong message of the risks of trespass and how simply trespassing on the line can turn to tragedy.

“The financial support is good news for us as it has allowed the team to purchase a smart new kit for the 18 boys who regularly play in the West Glamorgan Football League. Most of them are from Bryncoch, Tonna, Neath and Skewen, therefore we can now ensure the development of youth football in the area and spread the stay off the tracks message.”