Tackling issues over a game of football (From Oxford Mail)

Tackling issues over a game of football

4:45pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

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MOST people believe that if police are at a football game, it is to prevent trouble.

But at a weekly kickaround in Tilsley Park, Abingdon, members of the town Neighbourhood Action Team take on youngsters to encourage a more positive relationship with the force.

They play youngsters aged 11-16 on Friday afternoons.

Sgt Kev Hickman said: “When we hold our surgeries, we tend to find it is elderly people who attend, so with a football event we can get a feel for what the local issues are with teenagers.

“We get a reasonably good turnout. Some of the kids are pretty good players – it gives them something to do and keeps them out of trouble.

“It’s all good fun and helps build relationships.”

Picture: Jon Lewis