The Space programme backed by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner continues to score with huge numbers of youngsters in Stoke.
Over 150 youngsters attended a football tournament today (6 August) at Power League, in Trentham, to show off their football skills and be involved in fun activities. The tournament, which is funded through Space, was set up by partners from Engage Communities, Stoke City Football Club and Stoke City Council.
Space was originally an activities scheme 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.
The PCC Matthew 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. Activities in Stoke include Music and DJing, cricket, dancing and much more.
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 Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas.
Mr Ellis said: “I can’t believe the huge numbers that attended the tournament today, it was astonishing to see. It just shows that there is a massive need to offer activities for young people for somewhere to go, especially in the summer holidays.
“There has been great partnership work across Stoke to set up activities which have proved to be very popular with young people.”
Yaser Mir, founder and director of Engage Communities, said: “It is fantastic that the Space scheme has returned and has helped us to raise our profile of all the activities that we provide.
“There has been a lot of good work done across Stoke and there is a huge need for young people to be involved in activities to reduce anti-social behaviour. Young people are always asking for events and sports to keep them busy and off the streets.
“We have excellent partners working with us from youth services, street games and Stoke City Football Club. Partnership work is very important to share resources and offer fun activities for young people.”
Ben Gibson, premier league Kicks Partnership Manager, said: “This football tournament was funded through the PCC and is a great way to keep young people engaged.
“A lot of the youngsters have come from all over the city who usually may not get on well but these activities are getting them together and offers them a chance to meet new people.
“Space is a brilliant scheme to keep young people occupied and I hope it continues to be as popular as it used to be.”
More information on the Space programme, including a calendar of events is available at www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/space.
