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Hat-trick football project kicks off in Neston

"An investment in the future" is how a senior police officer described a football-based initiative in Neston primary schools.

Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick was speaking at the launch of the Hat-trick project which is designed to encourage team-building, confidence and social awareness.

Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick attended the
launch along with players from Tranmere Rovers.

It is being supported by Cheshire Police through the Project Rural Matters community organisation in Neston, Neston Town Council and Neston Parish Church and will be delivered by the Community Development Team of Tranmere Rovers Football Club.

Officials from the club have begun talking to year five and year six pupils at Neston Primary, Parkgate Primary, Woodfall Primary and St. Winefride's schools.

After Christmas the project will be enlarged, with football training and one-to-one talks for pupils who will most benefit from that approach. Pupils from Neston High School will then be recruited to help with the project.

Steve Williams, Tranmere Rovers Community Manager said, "The idea is to put across the attitudes and qualities involved in sport as well as issues of health and fitness and show how they apply in life generally. Kids understand that. This is a pilot project but we know it will work."

Councillor Tom Marlow, from Neston Town Council said "We are supporting this scheme because we recognize the importance of what it means in shaping the future. It is really vital to do something like this at primary school level."

Michael Darby, Chairman of Project Rural Matters and a member of Cheshire Police Authority said, "We are grateful for the help we have from the football club and other people in getting this project off the ground. It should develop into something very important for the future."

On hand to help with the launch were Tranmere Rovers footballers Max Blanchard and Zoomana Bakayogo, who chatted with pupils and teachers from local schools, along with representatives from Neston Parish Church, local police officers and members of the Town Council.

All photos are © Linda Pelling Photography, Tel: 0151 353 0940.

Neston Police Sergeant Emma Parry attended the launch and chatted with local school children.

Michael Darby presents a cheque to Steve Williams.

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