Ballin’ with a Bobby basketball tournament returns

A free, fun basketball tournament that helps steer young people away from crime and is returning to Colchester for its sixth year.

Ballin’ with a Bobby has seen thousands of youngsters play with police officers and professional basketball players to break down barriers between young people and the police.

Now the summer programme will culminate in a free tournament at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 22 August, with dozens of youngsters expected to take to the court.

The initiative sees Essex Rebels players and coaches team up with neighbourhood police officers to offer free basketball sessions while creating an informal setting where young people can talk about issues affecting them and their communities.

This summer, free sessions have been held at Lower Castle Park, Old Heath Recreation Ground and Stanway ahead of the tournament finale at the University of Essex.

Alongside playing basketball with professional players, youngsters have been able to learn about issues including gangs, knife crime, hate crime, consent and anti-social behaviour.

Liv Partridge, Sports Development Officer, said: "Ballin’ with a Bobby has grown into something really special over the past six years and it’s fantastic to see so many young people coming back each summer.

"Basketball gives us a brilliant way to bring young people together, get them active and create positive connections with the police in a relaxed environment.

"The tournament is always a highlight because it brings everyone together at the Essex Sport Arena and gives young people the chance to play on the same court as the Essex Rebels.

"We had more than 100 young people join us last year and we’re hoping to welcome even more this summer for another great day of basketball."

The programme was established by PC Dex Adams, from Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, who said officers have seen young people diverted away from crime and anti-social behaviour and towards sport and positive community involvement.

'Positive, enjoyable and free'

PC Adams said: "At its heart, the sessions provide young people with a positive, enjoyable and free activity during the summer holidays while, at the same time, helping them to develop valuable life skills.

"They have the opportunity to meet and play with professional basketball players and to learn more about a range of important topics, including gangs, knife crime, hate crime, consent and anti-social behaviour.

"For the police, it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with young people in an informal and positive setting by listening to them and understanding their concerns.

"In the six years the programme has been running, we have seen many examples of young people being diverted away from crime and anti-social behaviour and, instead, developing a passion for sport and positive community involvement.

"That remains the core aim of Ballin’ with a Bobby and we are proud to continue delivering it alongside the Essex Rebels."

Last year's tournament attracted more than 100 young people, with participants taking part in competitive basketball, sporting workshops and safety and awareness sessions.

The Ballin’ with a Bobby tournament takes place at the Essex Sport Arena on Saturday 22 August.

Children aged seven to 11 will take to the court from 10am to midday, before a session for 12 to 18-year-olds from midday until 3pm.

The tournament is free to attend but registration is required online.