Basketball project to divert children from violence

The project will be delivered by Athletic Elite, founded by professional basketball player Andre Arissol (left)

More than £116,000 is being spent on a project that will use basketball to draw young people away from violence.

The money is being provided by the Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership to Athletic Elite, a basketball coaching organisation.

Coaches will provide evening sessions in four priority areas across the county.

Northamptonshire Police said the project would "help steer [young people] away from criminal activity".

The partnership said the Sideline Project "focuses on those young people who are identified as vulnerable to risk, delivering tailored sessions about physical health, confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.

"It aims to empower young people to make healthier choices and create safe places for them to belong."

The project will support children aged from seven to 19

The project will create six-week programmes for secondary schools in four priority areas: Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough and Corby.

There will be evening basketball and mentoring sessions for pupils between the ages of seven and 19 with school attendance problems or who have been referred by the police.

The project will also train basketball coaches in crime prevention.

Andre Arissol is a professional basketball player who played with Milton Keynes Breakers last season

Andre Arissol, a professional basketball player most recently with Milton Keynes Breakers, founded Athletic Elite.

He said: "Collaborating with Northamptonshire Police and delivering the Sideline Project allows us at Athletic Elite to provide social, emotional and physical development opportunities around the county that work towards positive futures for all."

Det Supt Andy Glenn said some children had a difficult time growing up, which could lead to a life involved in crime

Det Supt Andy Glenn, who leads Northamptonshire Police's response to serious violence, said: "I welcome the funding granted to Athletic Elite, who work tirelessly with young people to help them navigate life in a positive way.

"We know some children have a difficult time growing up which can lead to poor decision-making and a future life involved in crime.

"We're working closely with colleagues such as Athletic Elite to identify those children most at risk and provide support such as the Sideline Project, to help steer them away from criminal activity."

The partnership which provided the funding includes the emergency services, probation, health officials and councils.