Young people prove they are a match for the police

Oldham Police force has been given a run for their money by Young people from Oldham’s Youth Inclusion Projects (YIP), in a friendly football match at Chapel Road pitches on Wednesday 15th August.

The match was organised by Greenacres Youth Inclusion Project, part of Positive Steps Oldham as part of the community and environment week of activities that young people have been participating in.

Greenacres YIP Manager Wendy Acton explained the purpose of the event; ‘during the summer holidays we have offered a range of activities that involve young people contributing to the community that they live in, this football match is aimed at promoting positive relationships between young people and the local police, and of course have a good time whilst they are at it!’

Young people aged 13 to 17 took part in the match against Oldham Police, which ended 10-9 to the YIP. Afterwards all players attended a buffet at Greenacres YIP providing a chance for young people to integrate with the police. Sergeant Brian McGill said ‘This was a great opportunity for us to bridge the gap with young people involved in this programme, we can interact with them on an informal level, and hopefully demonstrate that we are approachable and there to help them, as well as tackling crime. Its good for these kids to know our faces and that makes this a worthwhile activity for us to take part in.’

Oldham’s Youth Inclusion Project aims to prevent offending and re offending of young people under the age of 18 by engaging in a range of positive activities.

For more information contact Nyree Hood, Marketing and Communications Officer, Positive Steps Oldham, 0161 621 9395

Or Amy Rudd, Communications Officer, Oldham Police, 0161 8560180

Oldham Youth Inclusion Project is part of Oldham Youth Offending Service, delivered by Positive Steps Oldham. There are three Youth Inclusion Projects in Oldham, Holt and Alt, Greenacres, and Fitton Hill.