Posted: Sun 29th Sep 2024

Seized criminal funds supporting youth sports in Flintshire

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

Community sports hubs in Flintshire are giving young people the chance to stay active and engaged, thanks to funding sourced from an unexpected place—money seized from criminals.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin visited Flint High School recenltl to see firsthand the impact of these sports sessions, organised through Aura Leisure.

The initiative, called Community Sports Hubs, offers activities ranging from football and badminton to boxing, dance, and multi-sport sessions, running across Flint, Deeside, Holywell, and Caerwys.

The sessions are supported through the Your Community, Your Choice fund, which backs grassroots projects and is jointly funded by money confiscated through the Proceeds of Crime Act and contributions from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.

Since its inception, Your Community, Your Choice has distributed nearly £600,000 to around 200 community projects, each focused on reducing crime and promoting safer neighbourhoods.

During his visit, Andy Dunbobbin, along with Dave Evans from the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), met with Aura’s School and Community Sports Coordinator, Josh McEwan, to discuss the positive outcomes of the project.

At Flint High School, the visiting group witnessed young people engaging in gymnastics and football sessions.

Attendance at these events can reach up to 30 local youngsters, with many expressing their appreciation for the programme.

Toby, Fin, Lyle, and Bailey, some of the boys taking part in the football sessions, shared how the activities provide a great way to meet friends and stay active, offering them an alternative to playing video games at home.

Josh McEwan from Aura Wales said, “We were delighted to be awarded the grant through Your Community, Your Choice.

The money has helped us support young people in Flintshire by providing opportunities to participate in fun, engaging, and safe activities. It’s also tackling issues young people may face or be at risk of getting involved in.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of physical activities for youth development.

“Getting active and having fun is vital for young people—it builds friendships, skills, and confidence that last a lifetime,” he said.

“This project aligns with my priority of delivering safer neighbourhoods in North Wales by providing positive activities for our young people. I’m looking forward to seeing this initiative continue to grow.”

Ashley Rogers, Chairman of PACT, emphasised the justice element of the funding: “Your Community, Your Choice is all about creating opportunities for everyone and celebrating our strengths as a community. That the money comes partly from the proceeds of crime shows justice in action. It’s fantastic to see Aura using these funds to support local youth.”

Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans from North Wales Police also weighed in on the broader benefits, saying, “Sport is an excellent way to keep young people fit while also channelling their energies into positive and confidence-building activities. It helps reduce anti-social behaviour by keeping them engaged. We’re thrilled to support this initiative, particularly since it puts money seized from crime back into the community.”

 

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