Officers working hard to keep young people on the 'right track' in Crewe

Three girls at Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club have been sponsored to ride for their BMX Club for a whole year, as officers in Crewe campaign to keep young people off the streets and keep them on the right ‘track.’ 

Crewe PCSOs Lizzie Jolley and Jess Street appealed to the local community by asking for funding support with the Youth Skills Project. The Youth Skills Project was set up in 2019 in Haslington and expanded across Crewe over the years, to offer free skill-based activities to local young people, including sports and life skills.

The two PCSO’s wanted to expand this project to include both free group sessions and individual sponsorships.

Busch Vacuum Solutions in Crewe were keen to support the initiative and offered to sponsor three girls. The sponsorships include practice in the Cheshire Ghost Riders Club paid for one year. Busch also provided water bottles and hoodies with logos on. Extra funding also supported in getting extra equipment for all members to use.

Barry Cooke at Lantrix Internet Solutions designed and donated an A Board which will be displayed at each track session. It displays the QR code for a JustGiving page and pictures the sponsoring bodies and riders at the BMX Club. Co-ops in Crewe and Nisa stores contributed £500 towards the BMX track.

On Tuesday 10 September, a sponsorship event was held at the Shanaze Read BMX Track, where young people were awarded with their annual sponsorships and celebrated with all of the sponsorship parties.

Two photographers, Peter Robinson and Craig Simmond, attended the event, to capture the moments.

Also in attendance was Lily Phillips, 16, who recently earned the British number one title for her age group. When asked what advice that she would give to other young people getting into a sport, she said: “Be confident and ask questions.” 

The event was an opportunity to say a special thank you to the volunteers and coaches at the BMX Club, who guide the young people each week, especially Mark Bird who the PCSOs have been working closely with over the recent months to make this area of the project possible.

The evening was closed off with some celebratory chocolates donated by Tesco in Crewe.

PCSO Lizzie Jolley said:

“We believe that women and girls should be supported in having a safe place to go, where they develop skills and confidence, so we are really grateful for the sponsorship for the three girls, allowing them to further pursue their love of BMX riding.

“We would also like to recognise the other offers of sponsorships and funding for other young people in the local area.

“Members of the public have paid sponsor fees to the club for the young people, and we also have a collection pot at the police station which was donated to Cheshire Ghost Riders BMX Club.

“Crewe Police are keen to change the stereotype of local young people, and offer guidance to those who need it, to stay away from crime and go into skilled lifelong hobbies.

“We’re offering these opportunities and support to ensure that every child has a chance to be the best version of themselves.”

Crewe Police also regularly attend South Cheshire ABC Boxing Gym, where numerous children have been offered free annual memberships to allow them the opportunity to get into the sport. Officers at Crewe can refer any child to the club, if they believe that their behaviour needs the support and direction that the club can offer.

As well as funding to the BMX Club, the Co-op and Nisa stores contributed a further £500 to be shared between South Cheshire ABC Boxing Club and Crewe Alexandra in the Community, more initiatives supported by the Youth Skills Project. Mornflake in Crewe also sponsored the cost of a kit for a boy who is sponsored by Nisa. The 15-year-old is due to start in the Elite football team for Alexandra in the Community.