A FOOTBALL tournament for local youngsters designed to boost engagement between police and school children took place in the town last week.

More than 60 pupils from local schools representing Garth Hill School, Easthampstead Park, King’s Academy Binfield and Brakenhale took part in the inaugural event.

King’s Academy came out victorious and got their hands on the trophy in what was described as a “great tournament” held on Friday, October 1.

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Bracknell Police Youth Engagement Officer Iain Gregory stated “The event was organised as part of an increased positive engagement plan between pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 and local police.

“Thanks so much to all of the kids who took time out to play today, we’ll be back next year to reclaim our trophy!”

The officer told the News why he set the tournament up.

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He explained: “The event was organised by myself as I have recently become Bracknell’s Youth Engagement Officer.

“This is a full-time role for me, where I am safeguarding Bracknell pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 (11-14-year-olds).

“Through positive police engagement such as this event, organising after school distraction activities, engaging in schools with pupils at break and lunchtime, interactive school workshops, visiting excluded pupils and parents at home addresses, patrolling hot spots after school etc, I aim to highlight the dangers of Child Criminal Exploitation, the barriers in life put in front of you when you have a criminal record and disciplines such as not following the crowd.

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“This is aimed to be proactive not reactive work. Through engaging with all the youths in years 7,8 and 9 from these schools, I can highlight the vulnerable individuals and specifically tailor a safeguarding plan for their needs.”