Didcot police officers recently played a football match against a team of young people, organised by a local youth work charity. 

Didcot and Wallingford Neighbourhood Police Team took on the group of young people on Monday, November 18 at Willowbrook Leisure Centre in Ladygrove. 

The event was organised by local youth work charity TRAIN, the Neighbourhood Police Team, and Oxford United in the Community.

Seven police officers and 17 young people took part, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. 

The event aimed to strengthen relationships and build trust between young people and the police, allowing both groups to interact in a positive and informal setting.

At the end of the match, the police officers took the opportunity to introduce themselves and engage further with the young people through a Q&A session. This allowed the young people to ask questions and learn more about the roles of local officers, helping break down barriers and develop a deeper understanding.

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Didcot police vs young people football match (Image: Contributed) The officers’ participation required personal commitment, with some coming in on their day off and others attending in between night shifts.

Sergeant Kev Hickman, of the Didcot and Wallingford Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “The event was a chance to build relationships between young people in Didcot and the police, which builds mutual respect. Now, when we’re out on neighbourhood patrols, we know them, and they know our faces and feel confident to come and speak to us.” 

Lisa Harrold, youth work manager at TRAIN, added: “This event perfectly reflects what TRAIN is all about—bringing young people together with others in their community in positive, meaningful ways. Opportunities like this help young people feel supported, break down barriers, and build trust with figures of authority like the police. By creating a neutral and fun environment, we’re helping young people feel more comfortable reaching out for support and opening up opportunities for stronger relationships within the community.” 

Mark Thomas, Social inclusion lead at Oxford United in the Community, explained how the event fits into their Premier League Kicks programme. He said: “One of the big issues we encounter is a divide between police and young people, so to have the opportunity to see the police outside of uniform and playing football builds bridges and improves relationships. It’s been a great event. Lots of young people came, and everyone had a good time.”

PC Emma Dobie, who has served in the police for 24 years and lives with multiple sclerosis, said: “It’s tiring! But it’s good to get stuck in and have fun with the young people. It has helped build relationships.” 

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About the author  

Toby is a senior reporter who has a particular interest in covering planning and local government. 

He joined in September 2024 having been a reporter at the Hampshire Chronicle for three years. 

Toby studied at the University of Brighton and can be found on X through the handle @JournoToby