Streetsport partnership leads to 90% reduction in anti-social behaviour
A session for young people in Aberdeen has successfully reduced anti-social behaviour by 90% through sport and creative endeavour.
Streetsport, Denis Law Legacy Trust’s flagship programme run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, worked with Police Scotland, Tesco Summerhill, Aberdeen City Council and AFCCT to create a youth hub for young people to enjoy in the Mastrick area of the city.
The sessions have allowed for youngsters in the local community to congregate in a safe and fun environment, taking part in a range of activities from football to rock-climbing and smoothie making.
Jenna Greig, Streetsport participant and volunteer, said: “I feel really good coming here because it’s a place to socialise with other people. We all think it’s good and we have so much fun, it’s great.
“We like meeting all the people from different places. Streetsport’s really good for people who maybe have no friends, they can come here and make new friends.
“We used to walk about in the streets or sit in the park but since Streetsport came here we’ve actually had something to do with ourselves at night-time. Some people used to cause trouble and stuff because there was nothing else to do. But now, because Streetsport is here, we’ve got something to do which is really good.”
Jenna Greig. Credit: Evening Express
Stuart Neil, store manager of Tesco Summerhill, said: “They just wanted a place they could call their own that was quiet, dry and had access to WiFi.
“We decided to build the outdoor youth hub, and we have partnered with Aberdeen FC Community Trust and Streetsport to provide them with a range of healthy activities.
“We can engage on a level now where we respect them and they respect us. Ultimately what it’s done is reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the area from what was 93 call-outs in December 2020 to four over the last five months.
“It’s fantastic and it’s what we really wanted to do – give them that safe place and reduce crime in the area.”
Streetsport is an award-winning programme and host sessions for young people throughout the city on weekday evenings.
Read more: Evening Express