WATFORD FC Community Sports & Education Trust and its official sponsor TOTAL UK have joined forces in their pledge to improve the prospects of young people living in West Watford, with the launch of the Positive Futures initiative.

The project is specific to the Holywell ward in West Watford which was identified as having problems surrounding issues such as substance misuse, anti-social behaviour and youth crime.

The aim of the Holywell Positive Futures Project is to establish a range of activities around sport, leisure and the arts. This will help to engage and empower young people to be both actively involved and to take responsibility for projects in their local community. 

The project seeks to develop relationships with those at risk throughout the duration of the project, thereby encouraging them to realise their potential.

The project was officially launched at an events evening at the Westfield Community Sports centre on Thursday 10th May. The event was attended by Watford FC manager Aidy Boothroyd and Watford FC first team players, Danny Shittu, Darius Henderson and Lloyd Doyley, who joined young people participating in various activities, such as football, basketball and street dance. These young people have been involved in the project's pilot scheme that has been running since January.

TOTAL UK managing director Malcolm Jones said: "It was a really successful evening that was enjoyed by all involved.

Malcolm continued: "We are keen to offer our support to initiatives within the local area. Drug and substance misuse is an important issue for many young people and we want to offer these people the opportunity to get involved with a variety of activities, in order to help raise their confidence and self-esteem, and build a more positive future".

Positive Futures Project officer from Watford FC's Community Sports and Education Trust, Gary Clifford continued: "Many of the young people we are engaging with are lacking direction and finding themselves caught up in environments that involve substance misuse.

"Through the various project initiatives we aim to get them back on track, realise their potential and offer them a future that they may not have had. This is a really exciting project for all the people involved and one that will make a massive difference."