News

Participants from the Rangers Charity Foundation’s most recent CashBack for Communities – Towards New Futures course took on a Police Scotland select XI yesterday in a friendly football match at the Ibrox Community Complex to celebrate the end of the current block.

After a back-and-forth match, the Police Scotland team won 9-7 and enjoyed a cup presentation under the silhouette of the Main Stand of Ibrox Stadium.

The Foundation’s Cashback For Communities – Towards New Futures programme aims to re-engage people aged 16-24 with experience of the criminal justice system and help them move towards a more positive future including working, training or further education. It is delivered in partnership with four Scottish prisons, Govan Thriving Place and a range of key community and industry partners, including Police Scotland.

Andy Gordon, Cashback Coordinator at the Rangers Charity Foundation said:

“Our partnership with Police Scotland is really important. Through their Pitchin’ In programme, they engage with our groups regularly, addressing vital subjects such as social media presence and hate crime. These educational sessions don’t just give valuable knowledge but also create a rapport between the participants and the police, which can help create more positive relationships in the long run.”

“The participants on this course have made me immensely proud, and I’m pleased to say that they are all heading towards positive destinations following the conclusion of this block.”

“This includes those who have successfully secured employment, gained admission to college, or are pursuing further studies.”

CashBack team captain Liam was cheered on from the sidelines by his mum Karen. She added:

“He’s turned his life around since coming here. He’s went from a one to a ten and it’s been amazing for him and for me as well. He’d maybe not been making great choices but now he’s really motivated to get up and do things with his life.”

“I’m so proud of him today. Watching him get focused on something and then to be leading the team out next to Ibrox, it would bring a tear to your eye.”

Cashback participants also improve their physical and mental health as part of the programme by taking part in accredited fitness and coaching sessions and a mental health first aid course.

The initiative includes a variety of formal and industry recognised awards (including utilising the Foundation’s SQA Centre status), vocational work experience and the development of core skills which greatly enhances their employment prospects and CVs.

Police Constable Stephen Canale from the National Football Information Point said:

“We work in partnership with numerous organisations using the draw of football to deliver our Pitchin’ In Programme. The programme provides an excellent opportunity to engage with hard-to-reach members of our communities to discuss societal issues in an informal educational environment with the aim of empowering participants to make more informed choices. “

The Cashback programme is free and is run four days per week for eight weeks. Participants also have continued support after completion of the course to help them stay motivated and on track to achieving their goals.

CashBack for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which takes funds recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and invests them into community programmes, facilities and activities largely aimed at diverting young people at risk away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Our next CashBack programme begins on 8th April 2024.

For any further information about our range of our education and employability programmes, contact our Community Programmes Manager, Jamie Duncanson on: jamieduncanson@rangers.co.uk