32 U.K. Clubs To Work With Local Prisons Through Twinning Project

More than a third of all Premier League and English Football League clubs "agreed to be part" of a program to help tackle the U.K.'s "reoffending rate," according to the BBC. The Twinning Project "aims to pair clubs with their local prison to deliver coaching and refereeing courses." Founded by former FA and Arsenal Vice-Chair David Dein, the new initiative "has attracted 32 clubs so far." U.K. Justice Secretary David Gauke said, "I am delighted to see so many clubs supporting this wonderful project." The program is backed by the U.K. Government as well as the FA, EPL, EFL, the Professional Footballers' Association, match officials body PGMOL and the League Managers Association. The first courses "are expected to begin this spring." The project will be open to men, women and young offenders in custody "with the aim of preparing participants for release and finding future employment" (BBC, 1/23).