TOMORROW'S sports stars will have an opportunity to go head-to-head with ball-bouncing bobbies and top basketballers as an exciting scheme is set to return.
Essex Police is teaming up with Essex-based basketball club, the Essex Rebels, to offer free basketball sessions for children and young people across Colchester this summer.
The Essex Rebels coaches will be joined by police officers from Colchester’s community policing team, who began the Ballin’ with a Bobby initiative three years ago.
It was the idea of PC Dex Adams, who approached the basketball team with the idea in 2021.
“We’re really pleased to be able to run Ballin’ with a Bobby for a third summer," he said.
PC Adams continued: “We’ve seen around 150 young people from across Essex join in with the sessions, with some of them even going on to compete in national junior leagues.
“But for us, Ballin’ with a Bobby is about building positive relationships with younger members of our community.
"It gives us an opportunity to break down barriers between police officers and young people and challenge any preconceived opinions they may have about the police.
“We also hope that it will give young people the confidence to talk to us. Whether that’s about concerns they might have, advice on staying safe or asking general questions about policing.
"We want to encourage them to make good life choices and choose to do something positive over becoming involved in crime or antisocial behaviour.”
Claire Paxton, who is the team's player and sport development co-ordinator, added: "We’re really excited to be teaming up with Essex Police in Colchester again.
“It’s a great chance for us to get out into the community to introduce basketball and the Essex Rebels to young people, all for free.
“They’ll be chances to meet our players, mascot Queen B and win some Essex Rebels prizes too.”
The scheme has already helped to improve local basketball facilities across Colchester with the help of Basketball England’s Project Swish campaign.
Free events will be held in West Mersea, Wivenhoe, Stanway, Old Heath, and Greenstead throughout August.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here