SAINTS chairman Rupert Lowe yesterday helped launched a new campaign to drive racism out of football at all levels.

As part of the Racism Just Aint Saintly Initiative, the new scheme 'Send Racism Off' seeks to help those in grassroots football to recognise and respond to issues of racism.

"We want to do our bit to promote the message that racism in unacceptable," said Lowe.

"We see ourselves as a part of the community and the club is a reflection of the community and community issues."

Send Racism Off is a joint initiative including Saints, Southampton City Council, the Hampshire FA, Hampshire Police and Friends Provident.

Yesterday's launch was staged at St Mary's and among those in attendance were Saints legend Francis Benali, former Chelsea player Paul Elliott, Hampshire Police chief constable Paul Kernaghan, Southampton City Council leader Adrian Vinson, Hampshire FA chairman John Ward and Wessex League chairman Alf Peckham.

A specially designed booklet accompanies the project and clearly describes how to recognise different forms of racism and what steps to take to deal with it.

Saints community manager Mark Abrahams said: "We want to promote recognition and responding to racism.

"10,000 booklets will be sent to clubs in the Tyro League and the Southampton Sunday League along with members of the Southampton Referees Association."

City Council social inclusion development officer Don John said: "We hope we can really reach out and make a difference.

"We want to educate all the good people in football and give them the tools to deal with any racism."

Chief Const Kernaghan praised Saints for giving the scheme such high-profile backing.

He said: "It's great to have the launch at the football club. No matter what I or others say, young people in particular do idolise footballers.

"The club is playing its part and reaching out into the wider community with its message that racism is unacceptable.

"There has never been a problem with Southampton fans and they have a good reputation."

The Hampshire FA have also joined forces with the City Council to set up the Late Night five-a-side league - as reported in Wednesday's Echo - which is taking place at St Mary's Sports and Leisure Centre to promote the inclusion of all ethnic communities in football.

The league is aimed at 16 to 25 year-olds and takes place on a Monday night between 9.30pm and 11.30pm.