Highpoint prison joins forces with Kick It Out for weeks of action
Highpoint Prison made its contribution to football’s largest community initiative last week for a session designed to raise aspirations of prisoners through the power of football.
The ‘Movin’ On Up’ session saw former professional footballers visit the prison for an interactive panel discussion, aiming to contribute to the rehabilitation process of prisoners, by encouraging respect for diversity and challenging prejudice.
Danny Lynch from Kick It Out, said: “The Movin’ On Up sessions form a core part of the campaign’s community outreach work and provide a good platform for institutions such as Highpoint to make its own contribution to the initiative, and help shape the future prospects of prisoners by using football as a tool for focus.”
Ex-Bradford City player, Jamie Lawrence, who was spotted by Sunderland whilst playing on weekend release back in the early 90’s, joined Paul Canoville, Chelsea’s first black player, at the prison. Former England defender, Earl Barrett provided a coaching session.
Canoville said: “The Movin’ On Up sessions are a very ‘real’ experience. As someone who has undergone life within the criminal justice system during my time in borstal, I’m only too aware of the challenges some of these people faced.
“By using football as the medium, and how my life as a professional gave me the skillset to bounce back from all manner of problems, we’re able to share stories, some funny, some serious, and looked at how the game could potentially cater for those wishing to make it on the outside”
