KIDS ON THE BALL WHEN IT COMES TO RAIL SAFETY
Wednesday May 20, 2009
Youth football teams from across West Lothian and North Lanarkshire took part in the No Messin’ community football tournament designed to highlight the importance of rail safety yesterday (Sunday 17th May) at Almondvale Stadium, Livingston.
In partnership with Network Rail, Livingston Football Club held the event ahead of the new £300 million Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link opening at the end of next year and featured 16 under-9 and under-10 teams from communities along the line of the new route. As well as playing a series of competitive matches throughout the day, the kids were treated to some tips from top football freestyler, Colin Nell.
The No Messin’ team will be back in Livingston at Inveralmond High School on the 22nd July with Network Rail’s No Messin’ Live! event which will continue to educate young people of the dangers that railways can bring, as well as encouraging them to take up safer activities with their friends. The day plays host to a series of fun activities including a Game Zone, DJ mixing, boxing, dance and street soccer and much more.
Mark Henderson, Network Rail’s community safety manager for Scotland commented: “It was a great day. We are delighted at the success of this community football tournament and would like to thank Livingston Football Club, as well as all the teams for taking part in the day.
“The team spirit and sportsmanship from all the youngsters on the day really captured the essence of some of the benefits that the new Airdrie – Bathgate Rail Link will bring, as it connects communities in Central Scotland.
“Network Rail is committed to driving home the importance of rail safety and diverting youngsters into positive activities instead of messing around on the tracks. Our next stop is the No Messin’ Live! event in July and we are looking forward to welcoming kids from across the Lothian’s to what promises to be a great family day out during the school holidays.”
