The Met Police media Press release that went out about the 1st October:
Lance Edmondson is the Community Engagement Officer for the Violent Crime Task Force. He tells us about their work with partners aimed at diverting young people from a life of violent crime and their upcoming first large community engagement event during National Inclusion Week between VCTF and a community foundation.
http://mpsweb.intranet.mps/globalassets/campaigns/knife-crime/frontline-general/vctf-engagement-yarnee-fc.jpgNational Inclusion Week is an annual initiative that brings together all areas of the workplace and the community. This year’s theme is “Unity” and VCTF are uniting with Yarnee FC, in conjunction with KickOff@3, and Bromley Football Club to improve relationships between the community and the police in our first large community engagement event.
KickOff@3 is an initiative working with young people aimed at diverting them from violence and criminal activity, primarily through the use of sport and music, with the goal of inspiring, motivating, engaging and supporting young people from all backgrounds. It was founded by PC Michael Wallace (AS Engagement Officer) and Ashley Levien with their drive and passion for young people.
Through KickOff@3, Yarnee FC, who are a group of young adults from the London boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets, have been selected to take part in a community match against a newly formed team within VCTF. Yarnee FC are the KickOff@3 National Champions (VCTF are slightly nervous that they’re likely much better players than we are!) and are thrilled to have been asked to play in a professional venue with a full match day experience being provided by Bromley Football Club who are working to create their own outreach programme and are only too happy to support this cause.
The support and excitement from within Yarnee FC, KickOff@3, Bromley Football Club and VCTF has been hugely warming and has created a real buzz of excitement. We’re also pleased to welcome KickOff@3 ambassador, Charlton Athletic’s Jess King (FA Women’s Championship player), to cheer on both teams.
Yarnee FC Founder, Inyanne Tamijarassane, said “The team are absolutely buzzing that they’ve got this opportunity and we can’t wait to show people all the talent we have. We built this brand from nothing and come from humble beginnings so this is very exciting and will be a great experience for us.”
Benjamin Gotts, HQ Operations (VCTF), said “This is a fantastic opportunity to further connect and engage with the communities we work within. With violent crime being a key priority of the MPS, the opportunity to support diversion and intervention initiatives is extremely welcomed and I can’t think of a better way than with KickOff@3, Yarnee FC and Bromley Football Club. As VCTF are debuting our team, we just hope we can match Yarnee’s fitness levels!”
