PCs will aim for goals not gaol! (From Gazette Series)

PCs will aim for goals not gaol!

POLICE officers from Dursley and staff at Stroud District Council will be hoping they can do better than England's footballers when they play in a five-a-side friendly match next week.

Unlike David Beckham and other members of the England squad, officers from Dursley Inspector Neighbourhood Area and council employees believe they can win when they turn out against a side from Dursley Youth Club.

The match, organised by the youth club, Gloucestershire Constabulary and the district council, will take place at Rednock School, Dursley, on Tuesday (6.30pm).

Sgt Colin Ford, one of the players for the police, said the event was a good opportunity for officers and their council colleagues to forge links with young people in the community.

He said: "With all the interest in the recent Euro 2004 championship we thought a football match of our own would be a good way for officers to meet with youngsters from our area.

"In turn they will be able to see another side of the police force, and it will give them a chance to speak to officers in an informal, social situation."

He added: "The match will be friendly, and it will be played in a good spirit, but we want to do well, and with the help of our colleagues in the council we think we can win!"

At the end of the match winners and losers alike will congregate at Dursley Youth Club for a post-match chat, a prize giving ceremony and barbecue.