City’s key players team up to debate new stadium

 

RESS RELEASE - June 27th 2011

Partnership is the key to the success of the new American Express Community Stadium. That was the message from an event that brought together speakers from both major universities in the city, Albion in the Community and American Express last week. 

The event, ‘New Arenas: How can Sport tackle Social Exclusion?’ was held at the University of Brighton just a short kick away from the gleaming new stadium. Guests heard from Albion in the Community Chairman Dick Knight, University of Brighton Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Stuart Laing and American Express World Service Senior-Vice President, Ian Lundberg who flew in especially to attend. 

The speakers joined over 60 guests from a range of sporting organisations and public sector bodies to learn more about how Albion in the Community’s work has helped young people overcome problems caused by social exclusion. The audience heard from 30 year old Craig Cartwright, an ex-semi professional footballer whose career was cut short by injury at the age of 18. He described how his involvement with AITC’s Kickz project helped him overcome unemployment, drug problems and homelessness. 

University of Brighton Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Laing said:

“There is a huge buzz and excitement around the new stadium particularly amongst our universities who are on its doorstep. Both have a crucial role to play in helping it connect with its surrounding communities and also in working with the club and AITC in developing research on the positive role that sport can have in addressing social problems”

AITC Chairman Dick Knight, added: 

“The new community stadium is really unique in terms of its history, what it will deliver and also in terms of its partnership between the club, the private sector through American Express and of course the two universities which sit side by side with it”

The New Arenas series will continue in October with an event at the new stadium on Health and Sport. A third and final event on Sport and Education is planned for January 2012. 

For further details on future events please contact Suze Cruttwell on 01273 643004 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For further information on the New Arenas partnership please see project details here.