YOUNG
people from Purfleet took part in a competitive football match against police officers from Essex Police on Tues 2 April at Lakeside Football Club.
The game was organised by Tom Hopkins, a Youth Worker with Thurrock Council who explained: “The match was part of a project which includes weekly Friday night football sessions for young people on the Garrison estate. The aim is to use football as an engagement tool to break down social barriers, provide young people with a positive activity and work at reducing anti social behaviour.
“The football match gave young people the chance to view the police officers in a different environment, whilst also providing the police with the opportunity to engage with local young people. The young people were a real credit to themselves and the community of Purfleet, they should be very proud of themselves”
Although the game was played in a competitive manner, both sides played in the correct spirit of the event. In the end youthfulness triumphed with the young people from Purfleet beating the Essex Police team 5-1.
The Inspector for West Thurrock, Leigh Norris who participated and helped organise the the match commented: “I believe that football is an avenue where we can find some common ground with the residents of the Garrison estate and I believe it is a great way to interact with young people.
“I hope this will be the start of a new level of interaction between Essex Police and the Garrison estate residents. Well done to all in involved in what I feel was a good step for the community”.
One of the young players added: “I enjoyed the game, the Old Bill were alright in the end, still a shame they can’t play football though! Definitely something that we would like to all do again!”
For more information on the Purfleet youth football project please contact Tom Hopkins on 01375 652562 or email [email protected]
