Football – Force is with the Met Police
Published: 05 August, 2010
by STEVE BARNETT
ORGANISERS behind a new football competition are urging youngsters from across Camden and Islington to sign up and take part in the action to help build bridges in their neighbourhoods.
The Community Cup kicked off when an under-19s side from Coram’s Fields in Russell Square played host to a team from the Met Police.
The police ran out 4-3 winners, and now a return match is being pencilled in.
Sports Development Officer at Coram’s Fields, Naz Deen, who organised the competition, was delighted with how the debut tournament turned out.
“We’re looking to get even bigger and better. The dream is to get scores of young people from across Camden and Islington playing matches against police officers in their areas. The main objective was to build a relationship between the young people and the police. We’ve already had some really positive feedback and are looking to arrange another tournament in October.
“There can sometimes be a lot of tension between young people and the police. I personally think a way of breaking down this negative barrier and to dispel the myths is to work alongside the police and for them to show the young people that they are there to help.
“The idea is to bring the young people and the police together in a neutral environment.
“It also gives the young people the opportunity to get to know the police officers in their community, which will lead to positive work in the future.”
The opening match was clearly a big hit. “After just one game some of the players are now interested in joining the police, and will at least be looking into doing work experience with them,” said Mr Deen.