Nottinghamshire Police’s Community Kicks tournament unites youth through sport
Annual event fosters engagement and promotes safety
Nottinghamshire Police's annual Community Kicks event returned in spectacular fashion, attracting hundreds of young football enthusiasts and families from across the region to David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham on 12th July.
More than 500 young players from 48 teams participated in this grassroots football tournament, competing in action-packed seven-a-side matches with the goal of being crowned champions in their age category.
Community Kicks, designed to build relationships between young people and the police, delivered a day filled with sport and camaraderie, highlighting the positive influence of sports engagement.
Off the pitch, family-friendly activities included a football dartboard, emergency service vehicle tours, and circus skills workshops that added excitement to the day.
Dedicated to keeping youth safe, the event featured educational activities such as a safeguarding-themed escape room and virtual-reality sessions addressing knife-crime awareness, tailored for young audiences.
Inspector Paul Peatfield praised the tournament's success, noting its value in fostering community connections and empowering attendees through efficient interaction.
"It’s so rewarding to see first-hand how everyone has embraced this event, making it much more than just a football tournament," said Peatfield, reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere and strong turnout of approximately 2,000 people.
Acknowledging partners and sponsors, Peatfield extended gratitude for their vital support in making Community Kicks a remarkable event.
The initiative underscores Nottinghamshire Police's commitment to community building and youth safety through sports engagement.