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Sheffield community heroes praised

7 November 2008

Two community heroes from Sheffield have been recognised for their dedication and hard work in improving the region through sport.

South Yorkshire Police Inspector Craig Patchett and young volunteer Jarvis Salmon picked up two national accolades in front of officials from the world of football, sport and politics at the inaugural Kickz Awards at Wembley stadium, London.

The pair were rewarded for their work through Sheffield United, who in 2006 were chosen by the Football Foundation, Premier League and Department of Media, Culture and Sport to run Kickz in South Yorkshire.

Inspector Patchett, from the Sharrow and South West Sheffield Safer Neighbourhood Team, beat off competition from 39 police nominees across England to win the Police Outstanding Contribution Award for outside of London.

He said: "I am very proud to have won the award, however the real success story relates to the young people and their involvement in the Kickz project.

"Working alongside Sheffield United and with the support of partners I now look forward to developing the project across the City."

Kickz Volunteer of the Year for Sheffield Jarvis Salmon was recognised for his important role in the project.

Sue Beeley, head of community at Sheffield United, said: "Inspector Patchett has invested a considerable amount of personal time outside of his working hours to make the project a success.

"He is regarded as vital in the success of United's Kickz Project, co-ordinating the attendance of other police staff to drive the project, developing partnerships and obtaining funding to secure its sustainability.

"Inspector Patchett sees the benefits of Kickz in helping prevent young people from following the wrong path in life and the local community is already seeing the benefits."

Jarvis, who lives in Sharrow, is a player with United's U18s squad who has helped on a regular basis with the club's Kickz initiative, while also taking his coaching badge awards.

He recently managed the U15s Kickz team at a ‘One game, One community' tournament in Derby, where the Blades finished second behind Newcastle. Jarvis received his certificate from former England and Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand.

Sue added: "Jarvis has shown enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to engage and inspire others. Since he joined Kickz earlier this year, he has been a positive role model for others to follow. Kickz Coordinator Keith Ward has supported Jarvis in his involvement and a lot of credit goes to both of them."

Kickz is a youth project which uses engagement with the Blades to offer young people the chance to take part in a variety of sports sessions, including football, basketball and cricket, throughout the year.

As well as providing sport-based activities the Blades, with support from South Yorkshire Police and community partners, offer educational sessions to young people about healthy lifestyles and promoting positive activity.

United have been working in key areas of the region - such as the district of Sharrow around Bramall Lane - and the programme has made an instant impact to the community, with the Police reporting a marked improvement in the reduction of incidents in this area of Sheffield.

 

Categories: Sheffield United