Officers arrange sports events for Sheerness teenagers

Sports sessions run by local officers and partners in Sheerness have proved to be very popular with over 100 young people taking part.

When residents complained to neighbourhood constables that teenagers had nothing to do during the evenings, the team secured £5,000 from the Hotspot Policing problem solving budget to address the issue.

Sports Connect, an organisation that seeks to provide sports activities for communities, was approached and agreed to provide some additional funding. Their team has worked with the officers to arrange some regular sporting events for local boys and girls.

They are also able to provide coaching qualifications for young people, and are hoping to offer courses to some of those who have attended to assist them in gaining employment in the future.

Come and join in

The activities take place in Beachfields Park every Wednesday between 3pm and 6pm, and will continue into the autumn by using the floodlit arena.

The town’s beat officer, PC Richard Hewes (pictured with Lisa Sparkes from Sports Connect and young attendee Tommy Newton), said:

‘It has been great to see some of the young people we meet in the town centre whilst on patrol, enthusiastically attending these free sessions with a really positive attitude. Many come from families that would not be able to pay for these activities elsewhere and I would encourage anyone aged between 11 and 19 to come along, join in and make new friends.
‘Those who join us on Wednesdays do not have to book in advance and will have the opportunity to take part in events including football and tennis. Some of our officers will be present with Sports Connect staff, and parents are also welcome to come along.’