Somali youngsters in Slough football tournament
More than 150 young people from the Slough Somali community took part in a football tournament held at Herschel School, Slough, on Saturday (7/7). The tournament was part funded by Thames Valley Police as a follow up to the successful information evening, run by Slough Borough Council and partner agencies, which took place a fortnight ago.
The Slough teams were split into three age categories and, at the end of an exhausting day under the sun, the winners in all three age groups were Slough Stars.
All the games were played in good spirits with handshakes and smiles, notably assisted by the high standard of the voluntary referees.
The event was held not only to give Somali youngsters the chance to express themselves on the football pitch, but also as a bridge-building exercise. It provided an opportunity for Slough’s newly-arrived Somali community to find out more about neighbourhood policing and what services the police provide.
Ch Insp Dave Parker, deputy LPA commander for Slough, said: “It was a tremendous day with many visitors popping in and asking a variety of searching questions. It is quite clear to me that the community leaders are keen to play their part in community cohesion. They feel that they are treated extremely fairly in Slough, which is a really positive message for police and our public service partners.
“They are concerned that if they are unable to offer activities to the younger element of their communities then this could give rise to anti-social behaviour, which is something we are all keen to prevent. I am determined that now we have started to build a good relationship with the Somali community, we continue along this path.
“It was also pleasing for me to have another 20 PCSO application forms taken off my hands, and to be able to sign up several parents and players as potential neighbourhood action group (NAG) members. I see this as the start of something really special: it was a most rewarding day for all those involved.”
Thames Valley Police ~ Slough