Together with Charlie’s Promise and the Shots Foundation, we are campaigning against knife crime. Knife crime is on the rise with an increase of over 50% the UK in the last 10 years and it’s still rising. It doesn’t just hurt one person, it hurts families, friends, and whole communities, including our own. In the year ending March 2024, there were 262 knife-related deaths in the UK; that’s 262 families lives forever changed.
Through our Blades Down, Boots On campaign, we are striving to raise awareness of the issue and provide information on how to report knife crime. The highest-risk age group for knife violence is 15–24 years old, both for victims and offenders. By campaigning to raise awareness, we aim to educate and encourage conversation about the dangers and long-term consequences of carrying a knife.
Working with Charlie’s Promise on this campaign has been a privilege. Charlie’s Promise is one of the leading UK charities campaigning against knife crime as was created in memory of Charlie Cosser, a bright, kind and funny young man whose life was tragically taken by knife violence in July 2023. Charlie’s Promise now work to educate, inspire and support young people, helping them understand the impact of knife crime and empowering them to make safer, more positive choices. Click here to learn more about Charlie’s Promise.
In the event of an emergency, always call the police on 999. You can report knife carriers completely anonymously through Fearless UK. You can do this by calling 0800 555 111 or by reporting directly to Fearless here. The squad, the staff, the club, are stronger together without the use of a knife.
Martin Cosser CEO of Charlie’s Promise had this to say:
“We are incredibly grateful to Aldershot Town F.C. for getting behind Charlie’s Promise and supporting the fight against knife crime. The compassion and commitment shown by everyone at the club means a huge amount to us. When respected community institutions like Aldershot Town stand alongside charities like ours, it sends a powerful message that protecting young people is something we must all take responsibility for.”
“At Charlie’s Promise our focus is on education and prevention, working with young people so that innocent children like Charlie and the ATFC community are able to grow up safely and reach adulthood. The support from Aldershot Town helps us continue having those vital conversations in schools and communities. We are truly thankful to this great club and everyone involved for standing with us and helping drive positive change.”
Michael Lipscombe, a representative of the football club said:
“Knife crime is an issue that is affecting communities across the country not just in Aldershot. As a football club rooted in our community, we believe we have a responsibility to use our platform to speak. Our Blades Down Boots On campaign is about raising awareness and starting important conversations, particularly within our fanbase and the wider community, about the real and devastating impact knife crime can have on individuals, families, and communities.”
“Football has the power to bring people together, and through Blades Down Boots On we want to support education, promote safer communities, and make discussions around knife crime more open and more common.”
