Hereford FC have launched a new partnership involving local youth service ‘No Wrong Door’, the South Wye Police Safer Neighbourhood team and the Herefordshire FA.
The project involves Hereford FC Community Engagement Manager, Jonathon Nash, delivering football sessions alongside members of the South Wye Policing team, in a bid to break down some of the barriers traditionally associated with the Police.
Last week Josh Gowling, Steve Burr and Keiran Thomas attended one of the sessions held at the Hereford Academy.
Will Edwards Project co-ordinator of No Wrong Door explains why No Wrong Door was set up:
“No Wrong Door came about by voluntary community youth workers, working together to make a better joined-up service for young people.
“We’re now working with Hereford FC and the local Police, trying to break the barriers down with the Police, so that they’re not seen as the baddies, that they’re there to support the community.”
Darren Ball, Sargeant of South Wye Police Safer Neighborhood team said:
“This partnership is important because we need that link with the children. The Police sometimes have that reputation of being unapproachable.
“The club wanted to be more open and out in the community as well and this is a great project for the club to do that with our help.”
Interim manager, Josh Gowling appreciated how important the partnership was for both the children and the club:
“Football gave me the confidence to do other things, it’s really important.
“It’s massive for the club to do work like this. It’s great for the club to get involved, to show the youngsters that there are other avenues to life.”
Watch the video below for more information about the project!
