Kent Police netball team wins top award

A love for sport and a passion for their careers has helped the Kent Police netball team win a top award.

They were awarded the Marge Millar Award by the Kent Netball Association for their outstanding contribution to the development of the game in the county.

The team was formed 15 years ago and now has more than 40 regular competitive players.

They pride themselves on the fact that their philosophy is all around inclusion and development and encourage anyone in the force to be part of the team. But they also use their passion for their careers to engage with young people and talk to them about careers in the police force.

The team consists of officers and staff from various departments including the Force Control Room, the Dog Unit, Custody, Central Analytical Team and PCSOs.

A recent visit to the Canterbury Academy saw the team play a competitive match against the sixth form squad and then talk to the girls aged 16-18 about different career options within the police force. There are plans to do this at colleges and universities all over the county.

At the recent Kent Netball Association AGM, they were presented with their award.

Detective Superintendent Alice Ames said: ‘The team is far more than awards and achievements on the court, they have an outstanding impact in a very widespread capacity across Kent. ‘Being able to get out into the community and talk to people about our jobs using a common interest, showing them how you can have a successful career and incorporate netball will hopefully resonate with some of them. ‘I am pleased our love for netball and our successful careers can come together to support young people in our community.’