STAY OFF THE TRACKS – YOU vs. TRAIN

As schools across the region close, Sunderland AFC and their official charity, the Foundation of Light are urging parents to highlight importance of staying away from railways to their children. With the nation in lockdown, the key message coming out of Trespass Awareness Week (23^rd-27^th March), is that children and young people should stay indoors and off the tracks in order to protect themselves and others. Last year, Network Rail, EFL Trust, British Transport Police and StreetGames came together to launch ‘You vs. Train’ to tackle the increasing number of people risking their lives. The Foundation of Light has been delivering the initiative in secondary schools and at the Beacon of Light, helping teenagers understand the dangers of trainlines and the wider impact the risky behaviour can have on friends and family. Sunderland AFC forward, Duncan Watmore fully supports the campaign and recently sent a message to young fans [embed]https://youtu.be/TgY9eaX7TOk[/embed] Jas Singh, Foundation of Light’s Premier League Inspires Coordinator said: “Sadly, each week there are hundreds of incidents involving young people taking short-cuts, ‘train surfing’ or even taking selfies next to the tracks. It is dangerous and is risking lives.

With the help of campaigns like You vs. Train we hope to educate young people across the region on why they should stay away and ultimately save lives

Parents can now access free, ‘You vs. Train’ online workshops, via the programme’s educational partner Learn Live.