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September 2003 PARTNERSHIP OUTLINES RAMS' NEW COMMUNITY TARGETS The newly formed Derby County Community Partnership (DCCP) has outlined its targets. The group - comprising volunteers from a variety of organisations and including club employees, associates and supporters - aims to build new links between the football club and the local community. The existing Football in the Community and Playing for Success initiatives are also represented on DCCP. The new group will provide a voluntary link between the Rams and a network of local organisations and supporters' groups including schools, hospitals, places of worship, businesses, local authorities and arts and leisure organisations. Specifically DCCP will seek to improve customer relations and oversee Derby County's Club Charter promises this season, ensuring the club: - Works closely with the Community Partnership Group - Improves links with the local community - Supports the development of practical community projects Young people will be the focus of two practical projects that will kick-start the DCCP's programme of activities. The first project will be the painting of a mural in the Community Stand at Pride Park Stadium and the second will be the setting up of a schools' council that will encourage young people to have their say. Schools throughout the region will be invited to nominate Derby County councillors and schools conferences will be staged at Pride Park to discuss new community ideas involving the Rams and young people. DCCP's Chris Mitchell said: "The relationship between club and community has to be a two-way street and we want to put Derby County's name on the street where you live. It is our aim to take the idea of a customer charter to a new level for supporters and the local community. "To make that happen we need to build closer links with communities across the region. A lot of good work has already been done by the club, but DCCP brings with it new impetus and, hopefully, fresh ideas The ultimate aim of DCCP is to create a community "space" at the stadium and in the short term an office will be provided by the club on a number of designated days during which community representatives and supporters will be invited to put forward their ideas for practical development of a community facility. A Feedback Weekend will be held at Pride Park Stadium on September 6 and 7 between the hours of 11am and 4pm each day. Community leaders and supporters are invited to call in at the Toyota West Stand main reception on those days, or call 01332 821075 between the times given above. |