Providing opportunities to work with professional coaches
Taking place in several locations across Fleetwood and the wider Wyre area, the sessions are designed to engage those who may otherwise not be engaged in their community.
The sessions, which received £2500 from the Community Action Fund last year, provide the opportunity to work with professional coaches, improve their health and wellbeing and build friendships – ultimately creating a more cohesive community which encourages young people in the area to not take part in anti-social behaviour.
The project works closely with Fleetwood’s Neighbourhood Policing Team throughout the 50 week programme and this project follows on the success of similar work across Wyre.
There are other opportunities for those taking part, supporting those who want to take their interest in sports further including information on gaining qualifications and volunteering alongside professional coaches.
Visiting one of the sessions, the Commissioner said:
“It is striking to see the amount of young people who are taking up this opportunity to get involved and opportunities such as this help to build safe and confident communities, which is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan.
“This is what my Community Action Fund is all about, supporting initiatives that encourage personal and social development and the stories about the positive impact these types of projects have for young people and the areas they live are really great to hear.
“Similar projects have seen young people say they are more willing to speak more openly about crime in their area and have built strong connections with others taking part which all benefits the community they live in.”
Matt Hilton, Chief Executive, Fleetwood Town Community Trust said:
“The funding has allowed us to offer young people aged 11-18 the opportunity to play various sports within a safe environment with qualified and experienced coaches.
“It’s great to see the impact that these activities have made over the past 12 months and look for this to develop further. Since having recent visits from Lancashire Constabulary, 82% of the young people have expressed that they feel confident to speak more openly about crime within their local community.”
For more details about the Community Action Fund, including funding criteria and how to apply, visit the CAF section of the Commissioners website https://www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk/our-money/grant-funding/community-action-fund/.
