FOOTBALL Association technical director Sir Trevor Brooking will be in Kent on Friday for the launch of Charlton's countywide social inclusion project.

The project is the biggest single community scheme in the country and will use football to help divert children from anti-social activities, promote healthy living and encourage local communities to flourish.

It sees the Charlton community scheme not only join forces with Kent County Council, which is running the project in conjunction with the Premiership club, but 12 district councils, Kent Police, Kent Fire and Rescue, Network Rail, the Kent County FA, plus numerous local partners to run the programme across the county's 12 districts.

Sir Trevor, who will be at Faversham's Abbey School, said: "Football has a proven ability to engage and reach groups, especially from deprived areas. It plays an important role in addressing the symptoms of economic and social deprivation, social alienation and social exclusion.

"The Kent Partnership Agreement highlights a new and innovative way of working and emphasises a joined-up approach."

Kent Police Chief Constable Mike Fuller will be at Maidstone's Oldborough Manor Community School for the launch along with Charlton defenders Souleymane Diawara and Djimi Traore at 2.30pm.

Charlton's Uruguay internationals Gonzalo Sorondo and Omar Pouso will be at Gravesend's Thamesview School (2.30pm), while rising stars Myles Weston and Kelly Youga will be at Swanley Recreation Ground (2pm).

Kent County Council chief executive Peter Gilroy, Mike Fuller and Steve Waggott, chief executive of Charlton's Charitable Trust, will sign an agreement before Saturday's home Premier League game against Arsenal at The Valley.

* Keep up to date with all the news from The Valley every week in the Bexley Extra.