Sunday football bid from CSO
A Shrewsbury community support officer has created a new Sunday football team in a bid to keep bored teenagers off the borough's streets.
A Shrewsbury community support officer has created a new Sunday football team in a bid to keep bored teenagers off the borough's streets.
Sheena Jones decided to form the team in Harlescott after speaking to local youngsters who were hanging around the area because they had nothing to do.
The first team members are part of a Harlescott dance troupe coached by Miss Jones and have new kit and equipment after she applied to the Football Foundation for a grant.
Miss Jones said: "The more time I spent with the girls, the more I found they were really bored as there is nothing for them to do in the area. It's a similar story for young lads.
"This gives the children something to do on a Sunday rather than hang around on the streets. It helps the police build good relationships with the youngsters.
"Sometimes the only time these kids see the police is if they are being told off for something, but hopefully projects like this will help change things and let them know that we can have a good relationship."
All young people in Harlescott are welcome to attend.
They will be trained by Miss Jones and CSO Mike Osborn, who is a qualified football coach and keen footballer himself.
Miss Jones added: "I looked into what funding I could get and applied to the Football Foundation for a grant towards equipment.
"They offered me £400 which paid for a new strip, balls, cones and water bottles. We already have use of the Kynaston Road pitch and the girls are really keen on the project.
"We're working to get a few tournaments going, as a couple of other CSOs are looking into starting their own teams."