28th March 2008

CSO Jason Merrick and Customer Involvement Officer, Richard Hancock join in with the fun at the South Wye All-ages Soccer Bureau . How football is helping reduce ASB in South Wye Corner kicks, volleyed goals and throw-ins are proving a great way to combat anti-social behaviour for a Local Policing Team in the South Wye area of Hereford. Community Support Officer Jason Merrick has joined forces with Kemble Housing, which is part of West Mercia Housing Group, to take part in a series of football coaching sessions being run at the pitches off Vernon Williams Close. Kemble Housing has been running the All-ages Soccer Bureau in Belmont since last year, alongside others at Ledbury and Credenhill, and has just resumed sessions after a winter break. The scheme is aimed at the children of Kemble Housing tenants and provides soccer skills training and the chance to play in matches among the age groups. When signing up to the scheme, the young people have to make a promise to behave properly by showing respect to other players and people in the local community both on and off the pitch. A code of conduct is strictly enforced by a red and yellow card system, so anyone found to be using bad language or causing anti-social behaviour on the estate can and will be excluded from attending. The All-ages Soccer Bureau is co-ordinated by Kemble Housing Customer Involvement Officer Richard Hancock who says it has proved a great success in reducing anti-social behaviour complaints by encouraging young people to pursue a fun and healthy activity. “In football they learn the importance of teamwork and showing respect for their team mates and coaches. They know that if they fail to turn up to a training session or a match they are letting both themselves and their team mates down,” he said. “When they sign up, the young people are told they need to ensure their behaviour off the pitch is as good as on it or they could be excluded. Since we started the scheme in August last year everyone’s behaviour has been very good and it is pleasing to see that this has continued outside of the sessions. “The good thing about the All-ages Soccer Bureau is that anyone can take part and have fun, regardless of their age or footballing skills, make new friends and also earn respect for themselves and take on new responsibilities,” added Richard. The scheme is backed and funded by the Football Association and the Herefordshire Football Association and those taking part will receive certificates from the HFA and Kemble Housing. Some youngsters may even get the chance to become qualified coaches themselves and inter-estate football matches are also being planned. West Mercia Constabulary is also contributing to the scheme’s success; the Belmont Local Policing Team is funding the purchase of two portable goalpost sets, which will allow the coaches to set up different sized pitches to suit the various age groups. CSO Merrick is also using the opportunity the sessions create to talk to the young people about the issues that affect them and also to break down some of the barriers that might otherwise exist. He said: “The football sessions have proved to be a great way for me to get to know the young people on the estate. Even since attending the first few sessions I have been stopped in the street numerous times by young people who have asked if I will be coming along again, whereas before they may not have even stopped to talk. “The sessions give the young people taking part a positive activity to focus on, teaches them about respect for each other and the local community and I think the benefits of this will continue off the football pitch too. “I’ve always been interested in football myself, so it’s a really enjoyable way for me to become involved with the local area.” To find out more details about the All-ages Soccer Bureau, contact Richard Hancock at Kemble Housing on 01432 374795. You can also contact the Belmont Local Policing Team of Sergeant Chris Payne, CSO Jason Merrick and CSO Alison Licqurish by calling the message line 01432 346717 or by emailing belmont.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk

4th April 2008