Level playing field - November 13 2009
Level playing field
Adam Vaughan
November 13 2009
Shepparton News
Members of Victoria Police Soccer Club and Somali youths have travelled to the Goulburn Valley to conduct interactive soccer coaching clinics for more than 1400 school students.
The clinics aim to break down down social barriers and strengthen community bonds between youth and regional police.
VPSC secretary Detective Senior Constable Vincent Manno said the program was an effectiev police inovation.
``We want to reinforce a positive relationship with the young people in the Goulburn Valley,'' Det Sen Const Manno said.
``When young people and police do interact, it is usually due to a negative situation.
``The use of sport allows the two (youth and police) to come together in a positive environment.''
Before students from Kyabram P-12 Dawes Rd campus and St Augustine's P-12 School battled the heat and participated in soccer skills and games, Det Sen Const Manno talked to the children about the police's role in the community, what to if they are ever in trouble, and defined what bullying is.
``As well as having a bit of fun, the day is also teaching kids about life skills, making the right choice and what to do in an emergency situation,'' he said.
``If they make the right choices in the classroom, they will start making the right choices in life.''
The program travels to Tatura tomorrow before heading to Strathmerton, Numurkah, Nathalia, Yarrawonga and Cobram for the remainder of the week.
As a finale for the week, the VPSC and Cobram Victory will tonight compete in a friendly match at Apex Park, Cobram at 7 pm.
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