Wollongong police officers swapped their boots for running shoes to play a game of touch football with young people near Bellambi Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday.
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The Fit For Life program allows children to have fun, get outside and exercise with police officers. The Commissioner launched a new strategy, Rise Up, in August which incorporates job ready programs, mentoring and vocational training for 15 – 18 year olds to divert them from criminal activity.
Wollongong commander, Superintendent Chris Craner, said the program aimed to build relationships between police and young people.
“I would much rather my staff be chasing after the kids in football boots rather than chasing after them at 2am with police boots on,” he said.
About 30 children, some of whom attend the Police Citizens Youth Clubs, played the game of Oztag.
Wollongong Police, PCYC and other government services run similar programs during the school term and attract about 15 kids weekly. The Fit for Life activities continue each Friday in January.