First team duo Gary Liddle and Yoann Arquin showed their support as Notts County Football in the Community scooped the Drug Aware Award.
Liddle and Arquin shared their views on living a healthy and drug-free lifestyle with the Heading for Goal students who attend FITC’s classroom at Meadow Lane from Monday to Friday.
Heading For Goal is a classroom-based project, which works with excluded young people and maximises their potential.
The students had been working towards the award for months, having to complete tasks and learn about what effects drugs can have on you psychologically and physically.
The accolade, issued by Nottingham City Council, is designed to reduce the use of drugs in young people and make them more aware of what damages it can do over time.
Education manager Martin Carruthers asked Liddle if he thought he would be where he is now if he had drunk and taken drugs as a teenager.
The midfielder replied: “No, definitely not, school was difficult for me, with peer pressure to join in with friends.
"I went out with friends at the weekend, but when they were drinking I chose not to.
"I think that’s what got me to where I am now and having the strength to say no.”
To find out more about FITC's initiatives, visit www.nottscountyfitc.org.uk.