Royston Town FC back Lives not Knives campaign

RTFC U18s and younger players listening to the presentation. Picture: Lorna Webb (Image: Archant)

The campaign uses football to engage with young people and educate them about the dangers of knife crime.

Players, managers and coaches from a range of age groups attended an event in Garden Walk, where Sergeant Helen Croughton and PC Andy Pope gave a presentation on the dangers of knife crime and how players and managers can help.

RTFC U13 Girls attended the #livesnotknives event. Picture: Barry Smith (Image: Archant)

The initiative is aimed at identifying the signs and symptoms of those that are at risk of becoming involved in gangs and finding ways, such as football, to deter them.

The evening was deemed a great success and some of the players are attending another event on October 15.

Royston Town FC's under 18s are also backing the Lives Not Knives campaign. Picture: Dan Evans (Image: Archant)

For any clubs in the area wanting to get involved in the campaign they can contact Sgt Croughton by email at Helen.Croughton@herts.pnn.police.uk.

Those involved in football across the county are also urged to share their support for the campaign by using #LivesNotKnives and #PassItOn on social media.

RTFC's U13 Crows and U14 Diamonds attended the #livesnotknives talk. Picture: Frankie Westoby (Image: Archant)

The #livesnotknives presentation evening at Royston Town Football Club. Picture: Simone Robinson . (Image: Archant)