A Portsmouth police inspector has been honoured with a national award at Wembley-but it wasn’t for his footballing skills!
Steve Hutchings (pictured on the left) was recognised for his work on the Kickz programme in Bransbury Park, Southsea. Kickz uses the power of football to ‘build safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of young people’s potential’.
A variety of activities including football, other sports, music, arts and developmental workshops on issues ranging from healthy lifestyles to the dangers of carrying weapons are delivered three nights a week, all year round.
Kickz at Bransbury Park has led to a reduction in crime and anti social behaviour over the last two years which looks to be sustained for a third year. The local community is suffering less from crime and anti social behaviour and the Safer Neighbourhood teams can instead concentrate on working with young people and developing relationships with them.
Steve’s award was presented by Acting Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Bernard Lawson. He was recognised for his willingness to listen, and also for his consideration and understanding of young people. He has also recently procured funding that is essential for the continuation of the Kickz Programme at Portsmouth. In addition, Portsmouth’s Kickz Girls Football Squad picked up TeamAchievement of the Year Award presented by the Chief Executive ofThe Premier League, Richard Scudamore.
Steve says: “I am especially pleased with the girl’s team award, to beat Chelsea on their home ground is incredible. These awards are a credit to the project team’s enthusiasm and dedication and to the young people themselves who are throwing their energy into a more positive lifestyle.
“We need more of this type of project in the city so that we have credible activities for our young people to engage in. I am confident that this project significantly contributes to the sustained reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour seen across the Milton and Eastney wards over the last three years.
He added: ”I would like to see this replicated across other parts of Portsmouth especially where young people congregate and need some pastoral guidance and sporting diversion.”
