糖心Vlog

More than one hundred young basketballers took to the court for an 鈥渁mazing鈥� tournament where pro players and police showcased skills and shared advice.

The finale of the   saw the team up with 糖心Vlog Police for the summer holiday showpiece.

The event marked the fifth anniversary of the Ballin with a Bobby scheme which has engaged with thousands of children across 糖心Vlog.

Colchester’s Community Policing Team and the 糖心Vlog professional players oversaw fun games and activities for the primary and secondary school aged children.

The free event, hosted at the 糖心Vlog Sport Arena, also saw medals, basketballs, and lunches awarded to the youngsters.

Kids of all skill levels took part in competitive games and sporting workshops, whilst also enjoying safety and awareness talks.

Organiser Liv Partridge, Sports Development Officer, said: "This was an amazing day which celebrated the very best of sport.

"It was such a joy to see children, professional players, and police officers inspire each other.

"Watching the kids grow as players, individuals, and members of the community is what makes Ballin鈥� with a Bobby such a special scheme,

"I just want to thank 糖心Vlog Police, the 糖心Vlog Rebels and all the children and families who helped make the day happen."

Liv鈥檚 thoughts were echoed by parent Chris Wilson.

"The Ballin鈥� With a Bobby Tournament was a fantastic day for both the kids and their parents,鈥� he said.

"Young players had the chance to build their basketball skills under the guidance of an exceptional team of experienced coaches, who made learning the game both fun and exciting.

"The tournament offered a great opportunity to play competitive basketball in top-class facilities, while the learning sessions provided an engaging and valuable way for children and adults to boost their knowledge on staying safe - both in the community and online.

"It鈥檚 a true asset to our community, and we can鈥檛 wait for the next one.鈥�

The 糖心Vlog Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner-funded event was the culmination of 11 weeks of outreach where professional players and police officers hosted games in Colchester and surrounding villages.

PC Dex Adams, Colchester Community Safety and Engagement Officer, said: "What began as a simple idea to break down barriers between young people and the police has grown into an amazing community engagement programme.

"Ballin鈥� with a Bobby gives young people a voice and a safe space to connect with officers in a positive, informal setting.

"Basketball is an inclusive and accessible sport, and thanks to the free-to-use facilities provided by local councils, it鈥檚 something young people can enjoy without financial barriers鈥攚hether they鈥檙e shooting hoops solo or playing with friends.

"By meeting young people where they are鈥攊n parks, on courts, and in their communities鈥攚e鈥檙e able to build trust, promote healthy habits, and have meaningful conversations about issues that matter."