No more red : Credit to Arsenal

[phantom]

No More Red is an initiative between Arsenal and adidas that will see adidas support the long-standing work being done by Arsenal in the Community to keep young people safe from knife crime and youth violence.

There were more than 10,000 knife crime offences in London between June 2020 – June 2021. Last year also saw the highest number of teenage murders in a year in London since records began – most of which involved knife attacks.

No More Red will build on Arsenal in the Community’s work with young people in the capital, as well as providing more safe, positive spaces for young people and spotlighting talented individuals who are making a positive difference in their community. Throughout the initiative adidas also will be supporting by:

Investing in creating and refurbishing safe spaces to play football – starting with the pitch on Harvist Estate just minutes away from Emirates Stadium

Creating a No More Red mentorship scheme where young people doing positive work in the community will be supported by creative talent including Idris Elba, Ian Wright, DJ Emerald Rose Lewis and artist Reuben Dangoor among others

Providing access to its talent network who will make regular contributions to Arsenal in the Community programmes that provide a wide range of training,  quality spaces, positive role models and tangible opportunities for young people

As part of the campaign, we have also taken the unprecedented step of replacing our iconic red home shirt with an entirely white kit in our Emirates FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest. The kit will never be commercially available and will only ever be awarded to individuals who are making a positive difference in the community.

Following the game, the ten shirts worn by outfield players have been gifted to organisations doing work in the community to address some of the root causes of knife crime and youth violence. These organisations are

Arsenal in the Community

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation

Steel Warriors

Don’t Stab Your Future (DSYF)

Box Up Crime

Copenhagen Youth Project

St Giles Trust

Abianda

Octopus Community Network

The Ben Kinsella Trust

As part of the campaign, we have worked with actor Idris Elba, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

Idris Elba, founder of Don’t Stab Your Future and mentor as part of No More Red said: “From the time young people leave school, until the time they’re at home with family, there is often a void, a dangerous spike of nothing to do, where nothing can easily turn to something dangerous. 

“If there continues to be no options for this after-school period, we will always see gangs form. Let’s create options for these young people.” 

Ian Wright MBE said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to express themselves. The opportunity to exist within a safe environment. The opportunity to live free from fear of violence. We can never accept loss of life through youth violence as ‘normal’ in our city and it’s so important that we all work together to create a better environment for young people.

“By giving young people more places to play sport, more support, and access to individuals who can inspire them, together we can help make a difference to young people in London.”

The shirt will become a symbol of positivity in the community, given to individuals and organisations who are giving back to the community and creating a positive environment for young people.

[The Constant Rabbit]

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

[Pezo]

2 hours ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

Obviously the argument to this is the amount of tax the arsenal players pay would fund far more 25 community youth workers so in reality they are already doing more than you ask.

I wasn't aware that it was so bad so making people aware seems good to me.

[Isawjonshaw]

3 hours ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

Spot on

[Isawjonshaw]

Just now, Isawjonshaw said:

Spot on.  Education amongst other things.

 

[redysteadygo]

1 hour ago, Pezo said:

Obviously the argument to this is the amount of tax the arsenal players pay would fund far more 25 community youth workers so in reality they are already doing more than you ask.

I wasn't aware that it was so bad so making people aware seems good to me.

Not sure anyone will know what percentage of a footballers tax would go to a particular charity. However if a donation is made, and gift aided, 25% will be added to the donation from the tax the footballer has paid. 

 

[Ron W]

Did anyone read the article? They’re being given to good-Samaritan organisations. And Adidas are putting their money into safe spaces etc too.

[The Swan and Cemetery]

4 hours ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

Media might promote out of control, but don’t think stats support that perspective. Murder rate not out of line with some other parts of the UK and given a population broadly in line with Hungary or Portugal, unsurprising that there’s some violent crime. Clearly there are issues, often linked to drugs/poverty and this initiative is looking to address some of those, but fair way removed from out of control.

[maxjak]

5 hours ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

At least their trying to do some good?...........instead of sitting at a keyboard, not achieving a great deal more than espousing negativity?

[Hxj]

Knife crime is clearly a major problem, the link below makes sobering reading, count the number of times the word 'Stabbed' appears.

Homicide victims in London in 2021 - murdermap

Most charitable organisations don't need money most, they need media exposure, that helps drive cash, volunteers and 'clients' to them.  Arsenal doing this will get massive national and international press exposure that money cannot buy. 

As to footballers not putting their hands in their own pockets, how do you know that they don't? 

Edited January 8, 2022 by Hxj

[italian dave]

5 hours ago, The Constant Rabbit said:

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

I’d agree with your first six words…..

I’m interested though in how you know what Arsenal players do and don’t spend their money on.

Also, whether your view about giving your time rather than money extends to things like royals and others who are patrons of charities, to celebrity UNICEF ambassadors and the like, to the lady next door who volunteers at the Oxfam shop. Or is it just footballers?
 

What really won’t help anyone is a government in denial about the consequences of 12 years of savage cuts to community and youth services and one that’s more interested in political point scoring than really solving the problem of knife crime in London.

 

[The Constant Rabbit]

.

Edited January 8, 2022 by The Constant Rabbit

[Fordy62]

Probably about as nice a kit as I’ve ever seen. 

[YCbrs]

Admittedly not the point but the kit is beautiful. The message is far more important and it’s difficult to change every young lad’s mind because of the glamorisation of violence and the allure of the money of being involved in crime and gang culture. BUT there is definitely a lot of kids that do get involved because they have genuinely nothing to do, and whilst not being particularly religious the phrase “the devil makes work for idle hands” is 100% true. 
 

At the end of the day it’s a one off kit being worn for one day and if it inspires just one person to try and make a difference it’s a good thing. Not like they’ve shelled out millions on a hit or miss attempt that could have been better spent.

And in response to a previous poster, everyone is aware of the knife crime epidemic in London - obviously. But messages like this inspire people to actually become active in helping kids which they might not have thought about doing before, not because they’re bad people, just not something that had crossed their mind - you’d be surprised how initiatives like this actually make an impact. And I’m sure Idris Elba does fund youth clubs considering that’s literally what his one of his charity’s main aims is.

[AshtonGreat]

Not going to make much difference is it

[phantom]

44 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said:

Not going to make much difference is it

If it saves one life its worth it 

[AshtonGreat]

2 minutes ago, phantom said:

If it saves one life its worth it 

True, but I'm not even sure it'll do that. Much more needs to be done to make a real difference

[Numero Uno]

On 08/01/2022 at 10:56, Hxj said:

Knife crime is clearly a major problem, the link below makes sobering reading, count the number of times the word 'Stabbed' appears.

Homicide victims in London in 2021 - murdermap

Most charitable organisations don't need money most, they need media exposure, that helps drive cash, volunteers and 'clients' to them.  Arsenal doing this will get massive national and international press exposure that money cannot buy. 

As to footballers not putting their hands in their own pockets, how do you know that they don't? 

Many footballers do put their hands in their pockets and donate significant sums of money and time to charity, as does Idris Elba tbf. What they don’t do is tell all and sundry because the same people rinsing them for “not” doing it despite not really knowing would call them “big time” if they shouted it from the rooftops. Plus, like it or not, it’s their money and their business.

[Northern Red]

1 hour ago, AshtonGreat said:

Not going to make much difference is it

That's the spirit, you utterly joyless contrarian.

[AshtonGreat]

4 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

That's the spirit, you utterly joyless contrarian.

Well how do you think it'll make a difference?

[Numero Uno]

2 hours ago, AshtonGreat said:

Not going to make much difference is it

I’m guessing the ten charities that signed up including Idris Elba’s charity must have some reason for doing so?

[AshtonGreat]

5 minutes ago, Numero Uno said:

I’m guessing the ten charities that signed up including Idris Elba’s charity must have some reason for doing so?

Well it certainly can't do any harm, and fair play to those charities for trying to help. Still think there needs to be a lot more done though.

[exAtyeoMax]

10 hours ago, AshtonGreat said:

Well it certainly can't do any harm, and fair play to those charities for trying to help. Still think there needs to be a lot more done though.

Where would you start?

I would hope other institutions follow suit (not just football clubs)

[Tinmans Love Child]

On 08/01/2022 at 05:09, The Constant Rabbit said:

Being a bit of a grinch - I'd be more impressed if their mega-earning players (and Idris) chucked in some cash to fund another 25 community youth workers for a year or 3.

That might actually help.

Does anyone NOT know that knife-crime (along with most violent crime) is out of control in some suburbs of London.

White shirts won't help anyone.

How do you know they don’t?  But even if they don’t, why should some footballers and an actor pay for it, lots of rich people in London could foot the bill if that’s how you want it to work.

[AshtonGreat]

14 hours ago, YCbrs said:

Admittedly not the point but the kit is beautiful. The message is far more important and it’s difficult to change every young lad’s mind because of the glamorisation of violence and the allure of the money of being involved in crime and gang culture. BUT there is definitely a lot of kids that do get involved because they have genuinely nothing to do, and whilst not being particularly religious the phrase “the devil makes work for idle hands” is 100% true. 
 

At the end of the day it’s a one off kit being worn for one day and if it inspires just one person to try and make a difference it’s a good thing. Not like they’ve shelled out millions on a hit or miss attempt that could have been better spent.

And in response to a previous poster, everyone is aware of the knife crime epidemic in London - obviously. But messages like this inspire people to actually become active in helping kids which they might not have thought about doing before, not because they’re bad people, just not something that had crossed their mind - you’d be surprised how initiatives like this actually make an impact. And I’m sure Idris Elba does fund youth clubs considering that’s literally what his one of his charity’s main aims is.

How do you mean?

[exAtyeoMax]

13 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said:

How do you mean?

No work, or the idea that there isn’t anything better so become involved in gang culture. 

[AshtonGreat]

4 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

No work, or the idea that there isn’t anything better so become involved in gang culture. 

Oh I thought you were suggesting that there was nothing to do in terms of interests

[exAtyeoMax]

1 hour ago, AshtonGreat said:

Oh I thought you were suggesting that there was nothing to do in terms of interests

I think it all goes hand in hand though… You have to consider the locality too. Some may have interests, some may not, it could possibly depend on their peer group? Growing up in a small town, I remember being a teenager and it wasn't considered cool by some, to have interests. I guess poverty has a hand to play in it as well. 

[AshtonGreat]

44 minutes ago, exAtyeoMax said:

I think it all goes hand in hand though… You have to consider the locality too. Some may have interests, some may not, it could possibly depend on their peer group? Growing up in a small town, I remember being a teenager and it wasn't considered cool by some, to have interests. I guess poverty has a hand to play in it as well. 

Interests don't have to be uncool though: football, video games, making music... The kids of today have more options than any of the previous generations had.

The government and Sadiq Khan could be doing a lot more, of course. Certainly in helping those communities in the first place, but also with tougher sentencing.

It doesn't exactly help when the England football team appear to endorse music that makes light of street violence.

Edited January 10, 2022 by AshtonGreat

[exAtyeoMax]

15 minutes ago, AshtonGreat said:

Interests don't have to be uncool though: football, video games, making music... The kids of today have more options than any of the previous generations had.

The government and Sadiq Khan could be doing a lot more, of course. Certainly in helping those communities in the first place, but also with tougher sentencing.

It doesn't exactly help when the England football team appear to endorse music that makes light of street violence.

Some might do that but there are some who can't see anything apart from the path they are on. It's a complex situation.

[exAtyeoMax]

https://www.arsenal.com/nomorered

 

[Sleepy1968]

1 hour ago, AshtonGreat said:

The government and Sadiq Khan could be doing a lot more, of course. Certainly in helping those communities in the first place, but also with tougher sentencing.

Yep. They take away the funding for community workers and then wonder why things like this get worse.

[AshtonGreat]

9 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Yep. They take away the funding for community workers and then wonder why things like this get worse.

Yeah. I mean, it's not entirely the government's fault, but more does need to be done.

[YCbrs]

6 hours ago, AshtonGreat said:

How do you mean?

Like someone else said, and the whole speech Idris gave before the game was largely related to youth clubs. It’s basically easier for kids to get involved in crime and gangs than to have something constructive to do in a safer place. If there was more safe places for kids to spend time after school before going home for the evening then over time violence would decrease. That’s why they’re emphasising youth clubs so much because it’s a place they can go to on a daily basis. Obviously you (not you, just anyone in general) could argue they could just go straight home every night but it’s a bit unrealistic to expect every teenager to want to spend every second between school and home. Short version is just keeping kids occupied I guess.

[AshtonGreat]

2 minutes ago, YCbrs said:

Like someone else said, and the whole speech Idris gave before the game was largely related to youth clubs. It’s basically easier for kids to get involved in crime and gangs than to have something constructive to do in a safer place. If there was more safe places for kids to spend time after school before going home for the evening then over time violence would decrease. That’s why they’re emphasising youth clubs so much because it’s a place they can go to on a daily basis. Obviously you (not you, just anyone in general) could argue they could just go straight home every night but it’s a bit unrealistic to expect every teenager to want to spend every second between school and home. Short version is just keeping kids occupied I guess.

I think that goes some way to explaining why youths gather in groups (and in some cases get involved in crime). A lot of us did that when we were teenagers. But there's still a fairly large leap from that to stabbing someone. 

[YCbrs]

Just now, AshtonGreat said:

I think that goes some way to explaining why youths gather in groups (and in some cases get involved in crime). A lot of us did that when we were teenagers. But there's still a fairly large leap from that to stabbing someone. 

100%, but my guess (and it is a guess) is that it’s influence from the older members of gangs that make the kids think it’s normal and/or okay to stab or shoot someone if needs be. The youth club aspect takes the older influence out and would just be kids, I’m sure there would be fights etc because everyone has fights when they’re younger but if I had one I’d rather my son came home with a black eye or a busted hand than a stab wound.

[AshtonGreat]

6 minutes ago, YCbrs said:

100%, but my guess (and it is a guess) is that it’s influence from the older members of gangs that make the kids think it’s normal and/or okay to stab or shoot someone if needs be. The youth club aspect takes the older influence out and would just be kids, I’m sure there would be fights etc because everyone has fights when they’re younger but if I had one I’d rather my son came home with a black eye or a busted hand than a stab wound.

Totally. There generally needs to be much more positive influences in these communities.

[Dr Balls]

Having been involved with Paediatric Major Trauma for a while, I can tell you that knife crime and stabbings are a huge problem in London particularly, and the age of those involved is dropping, such that it’s now not uncommon among 13 and 14 year olds. It is a huge societal issue which feeds into poverty and I also hate to say it, race and ethnicity. Family breakdown is another big problem as are the gangs with their involvement in drugs and other crime.

Anything that highlights this issue and tries to reduce its incidence is good, but unfortunately until many of the wider problems are resolved, then it will be impossible to root out completely.

[YCbrs]

55 minutes ago, Dr Balls said:

Having been involved with Paediatric Major Trauma for a while, I can tell you that knife crime and stabbings are a huge problem in London particularly, and the age of those involved is dropping, such that it’s now not uncommon among 13 and 14 year olds. It is a huge societal issue which feeds into poverty and I also hate to say it, race and ethnicity. Family breakdown is another big problem as are the gangs with their involvement in drugs and other crime.

Anything that highlights this issue and tries to reduce its incidence is good, but unfortunately until many of the wider problems are resolved, then it will be impossible to root out completely.

Idris said that during his pre match speech that realistically there is no way you’ll completely root out gang culture as a whole, it’s too endemic now. Even in other cities, Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester probably being the other most prevalent alongside London. I don’t know what the answer is whatsoever, but I think the whole safe space that keeps kids away from gangs idea is crucial and would make a major impact.