Perceptions of anti-social behaviour in Ryde on the Isle of Wight were tackled by team work between young footballers, police officers and the community.
As part of a Hampshire Constabulary campaign to prevent anti-social behaviour, which was supported by the Isle of Wight Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP), Acting Sergeant Sue Gill and PC Caroline Woodgate of the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team co-ordinated a community solution to issues identified by young people, their families and local residents.
Acting Sergeant Sue Gill said: “Anti-social behaviour reports can often relate to youngsters playing football near people’s houses. With the support of Mayfield Middle School, a free weekly Thursday football club was co-ordinated by the Ryde Safer Neighbourhoods team throughout the summer holidays. Local children were able to enjoy the use of the Mayfield Middle School playing field and equipment in a supervised environment. All were encouraged to show support and respect for one another by agreeing their own rules and working as a team.”
Headteacher at Mayfield Middle School, Gary Booth, was delighted with the initiative: “We are always looking for ways to support young people in our community. School fields are a great resource and often lie dormant for six weeks in the summer holidays. This supervised programme made excellent use of the facilities and was enjoyed by all who took part. We look forward to future initiatives and partnerships.”