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During the three-year period since August 2003 DCCP has established links with a wide number of agencies and organisations, some linked to Derby County Football Club, in order to identify community needs and aspirations. The publication of the Community Plan will mark the end of a period of investigation and consolidation for DCCP, and the beginning of some ambitious long term initiatives. These are based on evidence from conferences and forums during the last three years, practical involvement with ethical and community issues and concerns, and from the benefits of positive working relationships with organisations such as The Learning and Skills Council and the School of Nursing at Nottingham University. Derby County Football Club has been returned to local ownership and it is clear that the future is a great deal brighter than it has been for some time, both on and off the pitch. There are indications by the new owners that they are willing to listen to and negotiate with those supporters who give time and energy to the Club. We hope that during the next three years we can continue our support for the Community agenda at the Derby County Football Club, through the implementation of the proposals in the Community Plan and help to ensure that the Derby Pride continues to flourish. During the preparation of this document DCCP were made aware of an important document published by the Football Foundation; Football And its Communities: Final Report, from a review in the Guardian by the football journalist David Conn. The Report has provided DCCP with a framework for practical initiatives for the next three years. It is also a means of underpinning many of the concepts already in place in DCCP aims and objectives, within a nationally identified set of priorities. 23rd October 2006 |