Sports activities in Eton Park have received a welcome boost following funding from the East Staffordshire Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

Following on from the announcement last month that the Council and Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) have agreed to work in partnership to improve sports development projects in East Staffordshire, the LSP is pleased to announce that it has awarded Burton Albion Community Trust £21,500 to extend its Albion 2 Engage project in Eton Park.

The project is specifically focused on working with young people in Eton to engage them in sport and involves the delivery of drop-in football and sport sessions at the community park.

The impact of the project will be to tackle anti social behaviour in the area and improve community cohesion. The LSP funding will not only extend existing funded activity up to March 2014, but enable BACT to deliver alternative activities on Monday evening’s and a weekly dance group for adults.

Councillor David Leese, Deputy Leader for Partnerships, said: “This is an innovative project and Burton Albion are the only professional football club in Staffordshire to be involved in such a bold, far reaching community venture.

“The LSP has been highly impressed with the results shown by the first year of the project and were keen to make sure it continued for at least another year.”

Fleur Robinson, Chair of the Burton Albion Community Trust said: “Albion 2 Engage has already reached many young people across Burton upon Trent and has had a positive impact in a number of areas in the town.

“The programme focuses on providing young people with the opportunity to participate in engaging activities whilst increasing their pride in their local area.

“Through the power of sport and Burton Albion, we are delighted to receive the funding which enables us to further expand the programme in Eton Park.”

Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey, Local Policing Team Commander for East Staffordshire, said: “We’re proud to be part of the East Staffordshire Local Strategic Partnership and this local project deserves recognition as it really does make a difference to those who participate. Not only does it give youngsters a positive activity to keep them occupied, it also has longer term benefits, allowing them to keep fit and healthy.”