Youth sports project launch in Abbots Langley...

(1st May 2008)

Youngsters in Abbots Langley are set for a sporty summer thanks to the work of the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Team and partners.

The Abbots Langley Youth Sports Project has been launched to give young people a chance to have structured sports sessions, run by officers in the area.

Sessions are aimed at children aged 5 to 11 at the Cheshire Drive green, mainly on Wednesdays, with time for older children to be added soon. Sports include football, cricket and rounders, with others to be added.

Equipment and aids have been bought for the sessions with help from local businesses and the community. In particular, a raffle was run earlier in April which raised £237 for the project. Prizes were donated by Watford Football Club, Vue Cinema, Abbots Langley Parish Council, Clearaway Services Ltd, The Viceroy restaurant and Police Community Volunteer Ken Cotton.

Sponsorship has also come from police partners in the project SPH Housing, Riversmead Housing Association and the Leavesden Park management team. The launch follows team work between these groups and Abbots Langley Neighbourhood officers to give children a safe place to play. In January there was a Big Dig event to remove thorny bushes at the Cheshire Drive green, where youngsters had been playing, and give them more space.

Wesley Gullin, a PCSO from the Abbots Langley Neighbourhood Team, said: “This project will enable us to combat anti-social behaviour in Three Rivers and meet with local children on a regular basis in these structured sessions.

“The children will learn new skills while experiencing team work and routine. We believe activities such as this will help to bridge the gap between the police and the young people.”

He added: “We would like to say a big thank you to all the businesses and individuals in the community who have given us their help and support so far. “I hope that continues as this project progresses.”

To find out more about the project, contact Wesley via email wesley.gullin@herts.pnn.police.uk or call him at Abbots Langley Police Station on 01923 472480.

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