A special link up between the force and Nottingham Forest helped grant a handful of young people a day to remember.
That’s after the vital work of one of the city’s youth outreach groups was highlighted to Forest as part of their Magic Moments initiative.
A suggestion from Assistant Chief Constable Suk Verma led to Breaking Barriers Building Bridges being invited to the City Ground on matchday.
The Magic Moments scheme is running throughout this season and aims to give underprivileged young people a special experience at the football.
Nottingham-based youth group the 4Bs were the ones to benefit at Forest’s second home match of the season against West Ham United on 31 August.
The special guests enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience – meeting the players, walking out the City Ground tunnel, receiving Forest shirts, and watching the game for free.
ACC Verma highlighted the 4Bs as deserving benefactors of the initiative and called on the force to continue trying to open new doors for other worthwhile community charities.
“As the lead for local policing, I fully recognise the importance of building relationships and trust with communities that often have encountered a more challenging start to life,” said ACC Verma.
“I discussed this initiative with the Club, and I believe it is a brilliantly thought-through opportunity to connect our Club with numerous community outreach programmes.
“As a lifelong fan, I fully recognise the power that Forest has, to bring joy to many.
“It is unparalleled, and we will continue to support Forest in reaching deep into communities, to afford those most deserving to have an even greater bond with this great Club.”
Breaking Barriers Building Bridges, or the 4Bs for short, works to benefit young, marginalised and underprivileged people in the city, and provide the support needed to help them reach their potential.
The Violence Reduction Partnership currently fund 4Bs for a SportPlus project which includes their no postcode football on a Friday evening, which also includes mentoring sessions with a Youth Worker. This project is open to any young person aged 10 to 24 and is based in Nottingham. The VRP is Home Office funded and is a function of the Nottinghamshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
ACC Verma added:
“This served as a great example of how we can collaborate with our partners and use our positive connections in the community to open new doors for deserving people.
“Anything we can do to provide these kinds of experiences to worthwhile community groups is undoubtedly a good thing, so I’d encourage us to continue looking to help other worthwhile community charities going forward.”
Will D’Hooghe, Head of Fan Engagement at Nottingham Forest, said:
“We were hugely grateful to Nottinghamshire Police and Breaking Barriers Building Bridges for their involvement in this edition of Magic Moments.
“Everyone at the Club hopes our guests had a brilliant day full of fantastic memories, and we look forward to continuing to welcome deserving children and young people to the City Ground throughout the season.”
Nottinghamshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola added:
“Youth outreach teams like Breaking Barriers Building Bridges play an absolutely vital role in supporting our young people to make positive choices and realise their full potential.
“By engaging them early, providing safe spaces, trusted mentors, and opportunities like this one with Nottingham Forest, we can help guide them away from harm and towards brighter futures.
“The impact of these experiences can last a lifetime – and we are proud to support initiatives that open doors and change lives.”
