LETTER : Cantona's service to Salford
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Ms Beverley Thompson
Sir: Your editorial (19 April) "An own goal for Cantona?" is right not only in endorsing community service as a more appropriate penalty than prison for the errant footballer, but also in its support for the kind of work involved.
Nacro has a particular interest in this case. Our Salford Youth Activities Unit runs a football project which has been allocated 40 hours of Cantona's time. The Salford Football Community Link project helps low-income communities set up junior football clubs which are run by local volunteers. Resources are always limited and for us, Eric Cantona is a priceless resource.
Making reparation is the essence of community service and this is what teaching soccer skills for 120 hours to youngsters from inner-city areas of Salford will achieve. It is demanding and timeconsuming and carries with it attendant publicity that must act as a constant reminder of the original offence.
More than that, however, by offering coaching opportunities to young people from less affluent communities - yesterday's team came from an estate with no facilities, "not even a playground" according to their coach - Cantona is giving something uniquely valuable and exciting and an experience that will long be remembered.
Yours faithfully,
BEVERLEY THOMPSON
Director
Prison, Resettlement, Race
and Training Services
Nacro
London, SW9
19 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments