The Jason Roberts Foundation

Blackburn Rovers forward Jason Roberts is looking to give something back by launching his own charity, The Jason Roberts Foundation. The launch is taking place on Tuesday May 1st 2007.

Here's the latest press release from Ewood Park (below) detailing the event and what The Jason Roberts Foundation is all about.

BLACKBURN STAR LAUNCHES HIS OWN CHARITY
Blackburn Rovers forward Jason Roberts will launch the Jason Roberts Foundation, on May 1 at Ewood Park along with celebrity guests.

The Foundation will work with children and young people to use football as a route to become healthy, responsible, valuable members of the local society and to create an optimistic outlook in their lives.

Based on the success of the pilot scheme run by the premiership star in Stonebridge Park, Harlesden, Roberts will be running coaching clinics across the country later in the year to encourage youngsters to create a positive focus about their lives.

The pilot project in Harlesden provided children and young people with football coaching, social and life skill training, improved self - confidence, improved fitness levels, and contributed to young people developing a healthy lifestyle. The project also addressed issues of social exclusion. These important life skills were achieved through one on one coaching with Jason Roberts and his qualified expert team that includes his uncle and footy legend Cyrille Regis.

Whilst the football season cools off during the summer, Roberts will be working in the heat when he travels to Grenada this summer to run football clinics for over 250 children and young people in the Caribbean. Accompanied by Rovers' coaches, Roberts will use the facilities of St George's University to coach the youngsters and pass on his famous premiership skills.

The launch evening will take place on Tuesday 1 May, 6.45pm at the Red Rose Suite at Ewood Park and will include a charity auction featuring sports memorabilia such as Jason's semi final signed shirt and many other collectibles.

Guests in attendance will include Rovers manager Mark Hughes, Chairman John Williams and Managing Director Tom Finn, plus Cyrille Regis. The High Commissioner of Grenada will also be there to support the charity launch.

Jason Roberts' comments:

"I am fortunate enough to be able to play in the premiership and do a job that I love. I feel it is my responsibility to share my expertise and knowledge to those less fortunate and to try and create a positive outlook in their lives.

"Through the power of football, I believe we can reach children and young people and get them to believe in themselves and to become the people they know they can be."

Charles Modia, Chancellor at St Georges University comments:

'St George's University, Grenada, is delighted to support this excellent new initiative. I have met Jason Roberts and believe him to be an admirable role model for young people in Grenada, who seek to improve their lives through sport. We, at St George's, look forward to working with him to ensure the success of his new Foundation.'

All profits from the evening will be donated to the Jason Roberts Foundation. Tickets cost just £10 and include a finger buffet. For more information please contact Jennifer Whalley at Blackburn Rovers on 01254 296 267.

This is brilliant. It is great to hear that Roberts (with the help of Rovers) is looking to give something back.

I was actually offered a, wait for it "VIP invitation" to this event. But sadly I am unable make it, but it is looking as though Vital Blackburn may well have a representative on my behalf though…


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