Thameslink hosts special rail safety day with Luton Town FC to celebrate 19-year partnership

Thameslink and Luton Town FC have celebrated their 19-year partnership with a special rail safety day, which saw Academy players ‘driving’ trains on the rail operator’s simulators to understand the risks of the railway.

For nearly two decades, the longstanding partnership has seen Thameslink provide 366 season-long passes to the Hatters’ 16 to 18-year-old apprentices, allowing players to travel for free to training sessions, school and college.

To highlight the importance of travelling responsibly, Thameslink recently hosted the Club’s Under-18 squad for a safety workshop at London Blackfriars station. The players were given a chance to go on Thameslink’s simulators to experience the responsibilities and challenges faced by train drivers. Safety and Security School Engagement Manager, Ross Evans, educated the group on how to spot risks, stay alert, and make safe choices, with the aim to boost their confidence and empower them to look out for others on the network.

Ross said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Luton Town Academy team for this safety awareness day, as they now have a better understanding of how our colleagues keep thousands of customers safe every day. The railway is a safe and sustainable way to travel, and it’s important everyone understands the dangers and how to mitigate risks, for example by standing behind the yellow line and being aware of our surroundings.

“We’re delighted we are continuing our partnership with the football club, so these young people can pursue their passion for football and unlock their talents. It’s just one of the ways we make a difference for the communities we serve."

Wayne Polson, Academy Safeguarding Manager at Luton Town, said: "Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our Academy players is at the heart of everything we do. Rail travel is a vital part of our players’ daily routines and it’s important they understand how to travel safely and responsibly. Days like this alongside Thameslink help reinforce these essential safety messages in a practical and engaging way, supporting our players both on and off the pitch."

The enduring partnership has seen the two organisations team up on multiple campaigns, such as encouraging customers to have positive conversations for Brew Monday with the Samaritans, helping passengers with their journeys as part of a community day at Luton Airport Parkway, and working with Luton Town legend, Mick Harford, who took on the temporary role of station announcer to celebrate the Hatters being promoted to the Premier League in 2023.

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Editor’s notes

Luton Town’s Academy is a proud part of the club’s rich history. It offers a programme from Under-9s to Under-18s with players beginning their journey with the Town as early as 6 years old.

Thameslink provides seasonal rail railcards to 22 young people in the “Professional Development Phase”, of the Club’s Football Academy. The young people study and train alongside the first team at The Brache, Luton’s training ground. The Brache is just south of the town centre, near Luton Airport Parkway station, which many of the youngsters use to travel to and from training.

As well as training full-time and playing for the Under-18s in the EFL Youth Alliance South Division and FA Youth Cup, the Academy players continue in further education via A-Levels and a BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Sporting Excellence and Performance, as well as gaining a recognised FA coaching badge, Referee Qualification and taking part in the Academy's informal Life Skills programme.