Photo: from left PCSO Steve King; Jenny the giraffe - the club’s mascot; Club Chairman Bruce Elliott, and PCSOs Luke Goatley and Lewis Walker.

Now in its 3rd year, our partnership with The Metropolitan Police Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods Team has gone from strength to strength. From its humble beginnings in 2008, the joint venture community fun days have established themselves as the largest events of their type. The last fun day on 2nd October 2010 attracted more than 700 children to the club, helping to generate the largest home attendance of the season for the club with a crowd of 1,250. The club hope their next fun day in the spring will attract more than 1,000 youngsters.

PCSO Steve King, of Cheam Safer Neighbourhoods Team and PCSOs Luke Goatley and Lewis Walker, of Sutton West Safer Neighbourhoods Team, were presented with a partnership award from club chairman Bruce Elliott just prior to kick-off. The match-day treat was a thank you to the officers who spend a great deal of their own time helping to organise and be present during the fun days, which involve local school children being invited to come along and take part in fun activities. The youngsters receive souvenirs, watch the match and take part in face painting activities and penalty shoot-out competitions.

PCSO Luke Goatley said: “We really enjoyed being spoilt by the club - and it was great that Sutton won.” PCSO Goatley added: “As neighbourhood police officers we are part of the community and these fun days are a great way for everyone to come together and enjoy themselves.”

Clive King, the club’s community liaison officer, said: “The award officially recognises the officers’ hard work which goes into community events and the on-going commitment into reaching out to the local community.”

 

FA Charter Standard Community Club