Cash seized from criminals funds Holyhead youth basketball
On July 23, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin visited Holyhead Leisure Centre to see how money seized from criminals is being used to support the project.
Mr Dunbobbin said: "It was fantastic to visit Ynys Mon Celts and see their innovative approach to youth engagement through basketball.
"This project perfectly demonstrates how sport can be a powerful tool for crime prevention and community building.
"By providing structured activities during peak times for anti-social behaviour, we're investing in our young people's futures."
The scheme is jointly supported by the police commissioner, North Wales Police, and the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).
Funding is partly sourced from the Proceeds of Crime Act, with additional contributions from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
The club is using the funding to run Social BALL: Tackling Youth Crime and Inequalities Through Basketball, a programme for seven to 14-year-olds in Holyhead.
The scheme offers supervised basketball games throughout the summer, ending with a showcase tournament featuring police officers playing with and against the young participants.
Sion Parry, team leader at Ynys Mon Celts, said: "We're thrilled to receive this funding to bring basketball closer to home for our young people.
"With basketball being the most in-demand sport in Wales according to Sports Wales surveys, we've identified a real gap in provision locally.
"Social BALL will give boys and girls a positive outlet and something to look forward to over the summer months and help build those crucial relationships with local police officers through sport."
The programme also includes basketball days in schools across Anglesey to encourage wider participation and identify young people who might benefit from more structured support.
During his visit, Mr Dunbobbin met with Mr Parry and toured the facilities where the sessions will be held.
The project i designed to address a lack of recreational options for young people in the area, with the nearest basketball league currently located in Flintshire.
Ashley Rogers, chairman of PACT, said: "The Social BALL project shows the real impact that Your Community, Your Choice funding can have in local communities.
READ MORE: PICTURES: Anglesey cinema complex re-opens after £1.3million refurbishment
"By taking proceeds of crime into positive youth projects like this, we're creating opportunities that will benefit Holyhead."
Gareth Evans, assistant chief constable of North Wales Police, said: "Early intervention through positive activities like basketball is at the heart of effective policing.
"The Social BALL project not only provides young people with something constructive to do but also builds those vital bridges between police and communities that help prevent crime before it happens."
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