​Developed by Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland this programme aims to reduce youth offending behaviour and promote individual and community wellbeing, both in relation to football and more widely. It utilises a collaborative approach to prevention, diversion and education based upon building decision-making skills and resilience.

The suggested target client group would be young people at either S2 or S3 stage, but it can be delivered across the secondary school curriculum as appropriate. Alternatively, if the school has an identified group of young people across year groups who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in offending, then this resource can be delivered as a targeted intervention.

Explore this resource

It is recommended that staff read the resource 'Supporting learners who offend or who are at risk of offending' if considering delivering this resource.

Background

This resource was developed by education practitioners and police officers who had articulated the need for an educational resource that could be delivered by Campus Cops, teaching staff or third sector partners.

How to use this resource

Delivery

The programme comprises nine 50 minute sessions covering a range of topics relating to the types of offending behaviour seen at football and in the wider community. As such, it can be delivered to participants whose offending does not directly relate to football but who have an in interest in football.  It is not essential that all nine sessions are delivered, with the key factor being ensuring the selection of appropriate sessions is based upon the participants’ reason for being referred to the programme.

Key questions

These resources provide the opportunity for teachers, with the assistance of Police Scotland, to explore the issue of offending behaviour in a safe and challenging environment. The lessons address four key questions:

• What is offending?
• Why do young people get involved in offending?
• What are the consequences of offending?
• What does offending look like?

It offers the opportunity for experiences and outcomes at third and fourth level across a number of curricular areas.

Lesson content

• Session one - Roles, Rights and Responsibilities
• Session two –Hate Crime
• Session three - Life Choices Awareness
• Session four – Ultra Groups
• Session five – Social Media
• Session six - A-Z of Football
• Session seven - Safe Supporters
• Session eight - A day in the Life of the Police
• Session nine - Practical Experience

Improvement questions

• How does this work link with the  range of protected characteristics that are defined by the Equality Act (2010)?
• To what extent do our learners understand the law in relation to offending behaviour ?
• How far as a school community do we challenge bigotry, prejudice and discrimination towards members, or presumed members, of a religious denomination?

Content author

Mark Adams, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland

Download

PDF file: Pitchin in Programme (Version 5) (1.2 MB)