The Space programme continues net success with scores of youngsters taking part in a football activity in Uttoxeter backed by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis.
Mr Ellis attended a penalty shootout at Bramshall Park with youngsters. It is run by Burton Albion Community Trust who are staging a number of multi-sport and football activities across East Staffordshire.
Space was originally led by police in Staffordshire during the 80’s and 90’s aimed at engaging with young people. The new version of Space, coordinated by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, has now been refreshed and updated.
Mr Ellis has pledged up to £140,000 to fund activities with an aim to increase skills, improve health and general wellbeing by creating opportunities for young people to engage positively.
The Space programme which will finish on Friday 4 September is aimed at 11-17 year olds and will offer a wide range of events and activities across East Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.
Mr Ellis said: “I had a great afternoon visiting Bramshall Park and seeing the amazing work that Burton Albion Community Trust do with the community.
“The Space scheme aims to engage with youngsters and Burton Albion do a tremendous job. They have engaged with over 500 youngsters which is amazing to hear.”
John Widdowson, Health and Inclusion Manager at Burton Albion Community Trust, said: “The Space programme is a brilliant engagement tool to work with youngsters all over East Staffordshire and not just in Burton. It has allowed us to work closely with different organisations such as the police and fire service.
“We are using football as a brilliant engagement tool to encourage youngsters to get out and to do something fun in the holidays.
“In the two weeks we have ran our activities we have seen over 500 young people. We can also signpost young people to other engagement activities that we offer so youngsters can stay engaged.”
More information, including a calendar of events is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/space.
To watch the video of the activity visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ_kf6KZDkU
