Hucclecote SCT Organise Football Tournament For Local Youths

For the second year running officers from the Hucclecote Safer Community Team (SCT) are hosting a seven-a-side football tournament for pupils from eight local primary schools.

Gloucestershire University have again provided the use of their football pitch in Oxstalls Lane for the event on Wednesday March 31 between 3pm and 6pm.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Mike Whitehouse and Rachel Anstey are organising the event with the help of the Hucclecote SCT.

This year, to help with their coaching courses, students from the university are also helping the SCT to organise the event and to coach football within some of the schools.

Pupils in years five and six from Abbeymead Primary School, Barnwood Primary School, Coney Hill Community Primary School, Dinglewell Junior School, Elmbridge Junior School, Hillview County Primary School, Longlevens Junior School and Upton St Leonards Primary School will be taking part.

The event has been funded by Crimebeat, a national charity that encourages young people to get involved with crime reduction activities and creating safer communities.

PCSO Mike Whitehouse said: “We hope the tournament will encourage young people to interact with members of their Safer Community Team and help to build strong links with local schools so we can work together in the future.

“Often the only time young people have contact with the police is when they, or members of their family, are in trouble and by meeting us in this sort of environment it helps to break down barriers.

“It is important for young people to be able to talk to us about their concerns and issues so we can be aware and look at the best ways to help them in return.”

To find out more about Neighbourhood Policing and your local Safer Community Team, please visit the Neighbourhood Policing section of the Gloucestershire Constabulary website:

http://www.gloucestershire.police.uk