BUDDING young basketball players will be given the opportunity to improve their skills and learn from the professionals when an initiative returns for its fourth year.
The 'Ballin’ with a Bobby’ scheme, a collaboration between Essex Police, professional basketball club Essex Rebels and Active Essex, is returning to Essex schools from June 6.
The popular programme provides free basketball sessions to boys and girls, and over the past three years has helped 300 youngsters.
The scheme will be available every Thursday until August 15.
St Helena School, in Colchester, Thurstable School, in Tiptree, and other locations will be used throughout programme.
Sessions are open to children of primary and secondary school age.
The project was initiated by PC Dex Adams, of the Colchester community policing team, and it aims to keep young people active throughout the summer period and divert them away from antisocial behaviour and crime.
It also hopes to help create positive relationships between children and the police.
Based at Essex University, the Essex Rebel men’s division one team has finished second in their league, while the women’s team has reached the final of the Betty Cordina Cup.
PC Adams said: “Over the last three years we have seen players from all backgrounds come together with the police, play sport and talk.
“I believe introducing children to a new sport and teaching them some basic skills to use at their local parks will in turn help detract them from negative behaviours in their communities.
“Basketball has a strong culture and sense of community, and this is something we are seeing grow in our district.
“The young people get to meet and play with professional athletes, some of whom have represented their countries who can inspire them not to give up, keep out of trouble and see where their journey will take them.
“Everyone can come together, experience the professional facilities and be part of a great day.
“As police officers we want to integrate with our communities and young people, listen to them and most importantly understand the issues that affect them.”
Primary school sessions are from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and secondary school children sessions are from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
There will be a small tournament at the end of the project on August 29.
You can register at tinyurl.com/yuxudwzd.
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