By Cam Lucadou-Wells
POLICE officers with soccer balls kicked into a friendly volunteer operation at Maramba Primary School.
About 200 students took part in a ‘Soccer COPPS’ coaching clinic, did some team-bonding and had a chat with the officers – and members of the Arsenal Soccer Schools Program on 14 September.
Detective Leading Senior Constable Vincent Manno, who is the brainchild of the concept, said the aim was an “early intervention strategy” to build bridges between police and young people in a fun way.
He also wanted to help reconnect “at risk” young people with their communities, particularly those who are “marginalised, socially and economically disadvantaged”.
“This event is used as an early intervention strategy, which is designed … to provide alternatives and positive role models for young people.
“A lack of positive social interaction could otherwise see them engage in risk-taking behaviours.”
During the sit-down chat, COPPS talked to the students about bullying – including cyber-bullying – as well as how police can help them and how they can help police.
“It’s a key in the door to discussing the issues in their world.”
Det Leading Sen Const Manno said he started the program after seeing the power of sport first hand during games between Victoria Police’s soccer club and young people.
The program had bought and distributed more the $380,000 of sports and other giveaways to 11,000 young people since it started in 2001.
The program is run with volunteering police members, and receives no grants.
To donate to the program, email Vincent.manno@police.vic.gov.au
