Tower Hamlets' youths stand tall with Peter Crouch against peer pressure

Figures released today show that The National Lottery has invested more than £500 million into youth projects across the UK in the last year alone*. These community youth projects, like Elite Youth in Tower Hamlets, give young people access to opportunities, skills and interests that they would be unlikely to experience otherwise.

Young people from some of East London's most disadvantaged estates are kept away from street and gang crime thanks to projects like Lottery-funded Elite Youth. Elite Youth aims to bring out the best in young people, by helping them move towards mainstream education, employment and training. It also recognises the need for healthy recreation - and includes football coaching and organised leagues amongst its activities.

England striker, Peter Crouch - an idol of the teams at Elite Youth - is a supporter of Lottery Good Causes; particularly youth clubs as, like anyone who grew up in a city, he knows the challenges that young people face daily. To show his support, Crouch today gives the Elite Youth team another unique opportunity - a special England-class training session.

Crouch explains: "If there's nothing to do or focus on, kids will find something else - and that won't always be a healthy, safe hobby. It's so important that projects like Elite Youth exist and reach out to young people to give them a chance - Lottery players help make that happen."

Salman Hussain, aged 19, who's been playing football with Elite Youth since he was 11, and is now at university hoping to become a teacher, explains: "Most kids round here don't have much money, and there's not much to do. School isn't a massive deal for most of us. I'm lucky, I've had football. And it's made me disciplined. The guys on the team won't get into trouble or fights because if the coach found out we wouldn't be allowed to play."

Mostaker Hussein, aged 18, adds: "I've grown up with Elite Youth and they do good things. They try to reach the community, help you keep out of trouble and help you to find a job. I really value what they've done for me. There is peer pressure - I am tempted sometimes to just stay hanging out with my friends instead of coming here but football is my passion. I've always followed it, I love football."

Lottery funding doesn't just support youth and grassroots sports projects, but thousands of Good Causes across the UK - both large and small. The special training session at Elite Youth kicks off a UK-wide roadshow, which aims to bring to life Lottery-funded projects around the country. Lottery balls in all shapes and guises will be popping up at projects across the UK, so people can see how Lottery funding benefits their local area.

*Figures based on financial year running 01 April 2007 - 31 March 2008

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For more information, photography or interviews with the member of Elite Youth or other Lottery-funded projects please contact: Sarah Johnston at The Red Consultancy on 0207 025 6531 or 07966 769 770.