Wrexham officers praised for community engagement efforts

The founder of a Wrexham community hub says the town’s police officers are ‘breaking down barriers’ with their ongoing football initiative.

Pete Humphreys created the Yellow and Blue Community Hub in 2017, a non-profit organisation primarily supporting vulnerable members of the community.

The YaB team motto: ‘We rise by lifting others’ exemplifies their work in underpinning community projects, forging positive pathways, food provision, and beating social isolation through events and activities.

Wrexham Town Police Station FC recently played the YaB side in a friendly clash at Colliers Park, which ended in a convincing win for the officers.

The final scoreline was secondary to the occasion itself, with Pete hailing the officers’ community engagement efforts as a resounding success.

Speaking to Calon FM, he said: “It’s amazing that the police are playing these community clubs. Our guys will remember this for the rest of their lives.

“They’ll be saying ‘remember that time we played on Wrexham’s training pitch? They won’t even remember the score.

“We work with a lot of people from the homeless and temporary housing community, and with those going through rehabilitation.

“There’s stigma attached to the police and there’s stigma attached to them.

"Sometimes you’ve just got to sit down at the same table, lower your barriers and realise that everyone’s just coming into work and doing the same job with loads of their own responsibilities.

“To see everyone coming together on the pitch as part of a community initiative – that’s what breaking barriers is all about.

“One of our players – Harry – four years ago he wouldn’t have entertained playing against the police, but he’s been out there on the pitch and now he’s having a bit of banter with them.

“I think that’s what it’s all about. I’ve found them (the officers) all really approachable and I think they’re doing it for the right reasons.”

The friendly fixture was the third played by the officers, following matches against Bellevue FC and Wrexham Inclusion FC - sides whose ethos promotes equality and diversity.

Sgt Dave Smith, who has led on the campaign was effusive in his praise for the YAB team after the match.

He said: “I would like to thank Yellow and Blue for the invitation and providing us with an opportunity to play against them.

“They should feel proud of what they have achieved and gave a great account of themselves.

“The score was irrelevant on the day. We have made lasting friendships and I hope we have dispelled any misconceptions of the police that their team members might have previously held.

“Yellow and Blue really are fantastic, Pete and his team really are helping to change lives and are making a real difference to those that need help and support, well done to everyone involved.”

Further community fixtures will be confirmed in the weeks ahead.