A POOLE community group has won a prestigious award for its outstanding work with young people.
FOCUS received the Active Community Project of the Year at the recent Active Dorset Awards, which recognises community and sporting achievements throughout the county.
Focus On Communities Using Sport is a partnership between the Borough of Poole, Dorset Police and Nacro which aims to break down barriers and youngsters also get the opportunity to gain qualifications in coaching and leadership.
Now in its third year, it has attracted nearly 300 young people from across the borough. Police officers run football training sessions and regular tournaments.
Teams are also required to carry out community projects, working with the police and Youth Services to make a positive contribution to their local area.
"This is a tremendous achievement for an extremely worthwhile project," said Cllr Peter Adams, portfolio holder for leisure and culture.
"It is great to see the positive impact that can be made when young people are engaged in community activities they enjoy," he said.
Sgt Guy Nicholas of Dorset Police said: "FOCUS has gone from strength to strength and has been a great tool to tackle anti-social behaviour and build stronger community links."
Active Dorset is one of 49 county sports partnerships largely funded by Sport England, to co-ordinate activity and sports programmes in Dorset and this project was not the only Poole winner.
Sports Coach Professional of the Year was Becky Travers who has been working at Turlin Moor for the past year, encouraging and inspiring young people to become more active.
Young Sports Person of the Year awards went to Melissa J Courtney, who runs for Poole and Dorset and recently won the U15 World Biathlete Championships in Monaco and Dan Hunter, who plays for Wessex Volleyball and has several England Juniors caps.
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